Nara, the ancient capital of Japan, seems worlds away from Tokyo and even Kyoto, especially in the bleak winter January month I chose to visit. In truth, I had been there several times, but this trip was to be a calligraphy supply buying trip in advance of my return to Boston. There is no hustle and bustle in Nara, and unlike Kyoto which is organized like a grid, one must do research and ask questions to find the places and areas one seeks for supplies. Yet for the purchase of ink, there is but … [Read more...]