The process of creating these golden books involves selecting special paper, crafting ink with gold leaf, and meticulous calligraphy by experts. Experts carefully select special, thicker paper ...

In Japan, calligraphy is more than just writing—it’s an art form that requires patience, focus, and respect for tradition.

An curved arrow pointing right. Traditional Japanese calligraphy ink, referred to as sumi ink, comes in a solid form. It takes at least four years of production before these ink sticks can be sold ...

Alyssa Schukar for The New York Times In addition to the calligraphy, you create your own paper, grind inks and pulverize the gold you use for gold leaf illumination. Why? It evolved out of necessity.