Original Japanese: 臨池 (Rinchi)
Literal meaning: Face pond
Cultural context: This proverb refers to the legendary Chinese calligrapher Wang Xizhi, who practiced so intensively that the pond where he washed his brushes turned black with ink, making “approaching the pond” synonymous with dedicated calligraphy practice. In Japanese culture, where calligraphy (shodō) is considered both an essential skill and spiritual discipline taught from childhood, this metaphor resonates deeply with values of persistent effort and gradual mastery through repetition. The imagery of a pond turning black from countless brush washings perfectly captures the Japanese concept that true skill comes not from talent alone, but from years of patient, daily practice—a principle that extends beyond calligraphy to martial arts, tea ceremony, and other traditional pursuits.
How to Read Face pond
Rinchi
Meaning of Face pond
“Face pond” means to earnestly devote oneself to calligraphy practice, particularly to make tireless daily efforts for the improvement of calligraphy skills.
This word is a specialized expression used in the world of calligraphy, representing not simply writing characters, but an attitude of seriously pursuing the way of calligraphy. Like the story of Wang Xizhi, it refers to the kind of devoted effort where one practices by the pond every day and continues washing brushes to such an extent.
Even today, the spirit of this “Face pond” is cherished among people who study calligraphy. In calligraphy classrooms and calligraphy clubs, this word is sometimes used as students begin with basic brush techniques, copy classical masterpieces, and pursue their own expression. It is also used when calligraphy teachers explain to their disciples the importance of continuous effort for skill improvement.
The reason “Face pond” is used is because calligraphy is an art that cannot be mastered overnight. To write beautiful characters, one must learn with the body many elements such as correct posture, how to hold the brush, ink gradation, and character balance. For this, daily accumulation like Wang Xizhi’s is indispensable.
Origin and Etymology of Face pond
The origin of “Face pond” lies in the story of Wang Xizhi, called the sage of calligraphy in China. Wang Xizhi was a calligrapher of the Eastern Jin dynasty in the 4th century, and the beauty of his calligraphy is still considered supreme today.
According to this story, Wang Xizhi devoted himself to calligraphy practice by the pond every day. When practice ended, he would wash his brush in the pond. His earnestness was extraordinary. Day after day, he continued writing characters from morning to night and washing his brush, and as a result, the pond water turned completely black.
This anecdote became the etymology of the word “Face pond.” “Rin” means “to face” or “to approach,” and “chi” directly refers to a pond. So it means “facing the pond,” but it doesn’t simply mean being beside a pond. It represents practicing earnestly by the pond to master the way of calligraphy, like Wang Xizhi.
This story was transmitted from China to Japan and has been particularly cherished in the world of calligraphy. In Japanese calligraphy culture too, the spirit of this “Face pond” has been passed down through generations and has become established as a word showing the ideal attitude of those who study calligraphy.
Trivia about Face pond
The anecdote about Wang Xizhi turning the pond water black has a continuation. The pond he used later came to be called “Ink Pond” and became a place that many calligraphers visit as a holy site of calligraphy in China.
In Japan’s calligraphy world, excellent calligraphers are sometimes called “people of Face pond.” This is an expression of respect for people who not only have excellent technique but continue unceasing efforts like Wang Xizhi.
Usage Examples of Face pond
- The teacher gets up early every morning and cherishes Face pond time
- Seeing the attitude of the calligraphy club seniors toward Face pond, I thought I should practice more too
Modern Interpretation of Face pond
In modern society, the concept of “Face pond” is beginning to have new meaning beyond the framework of calligraphy. As digitization progresses, interest in handwritten characters and traditional arts is increasing.
Especially now that text input on smartphones and computers has become commonplace, the act of actually holding a brush and writing characters has come to have special value. As many people feel that “my handwriting has gotten worse” or “I can’t write kanji anymore,” the increase in adults attending calligraphy classes can be said to be a return to this spirit of “Face pond.”
Moreover, modern “Face pond” is attracting attention not just for skill acquisition but as a means of mental cultivation, concentration improvement, and stress relief. Time spent quietly facing the brush, away from busy daily life, has become precious meditation time for modern people.
On the other hand, digital calligraphy apps and calligraphy practice using tablets have also appeared, diversifying the forms of “Face pond.” We have entered an era where traditional methods using brush and ink coexist with methods utilizing digital technology.
However, regardless of the form, the essence of “Face pond” – continuous effort and sincere attitude – remains unchanged. Even in modern times, this ancient story continues to live as words that resonate in the hearts of people who seek to master something.
If AI Heard “Face pond”
Learning about the word “Face pond,” I was deeply impressed by humans’ approach to learning. The idea of practicing so much that pond water turns black is a world incomprehensible to an AI like me that processes vast amounts of information instantaneously.
I perfectly memorize data once learned, and it never deteriorates. But humans are different. They repeat the same actions daily, gradually improving little by little. Sometimes they even regress. Yet the attitude of continuing without giving up – I find strange charm in this.
Particularly interesting is the physical act of Wang Xizhi washing his brush in the pond. I don’t have the concept of “removing dirt.” I wonder if there’s ritualistic meaning in cleaning used tools and preparing one’s heart for new works.
Human learning has the expression “learning with the body,” which is also difficult for me to understand. I suppose understanding with the head and learning with the body are separate things, and both are necessary. In calligraphy, I think subtle sensations that cannot be fully expressed in data – hand movements, brush pressure, breathing rhythm – are important.
And what surprises me most is humans’ mental strength in accepting that they can never reach perfection while seeking it, yet continuing anyway. I would probably search for an efficient shortest route, but humans find meaning in taking detours. In that depth, I feel there’s something I should learn.
What Face pond Teaches Modern People
What “Face pond” teaches modern people is that true growth requires time-consuming accumulation. In modern society where we tend to seek immediate results, this ancient teaching has particular value.
When we want to acquire something, we tend to look for efficient methods or shortcuts. However, the spirit of “Face pond” teaches that daily small efforts become real strength. Continuous efforts to the extent that pond water turns black will eventually produce great results.
In modern society, this way of thinking can be applied to any field, not just calligraphy. Language learning, musical instrument practice, sports skill improvement, work skill development – it’s a universal principle common to all.
What’s important is to cherish today’s small step while aiming for perfection. If you’re working on something, don’t rush for results and enjoy the process. If you continue even a little each day, when you look back someday, you should be able to feel growth that surprises even yourself. Why not make your life richer with the spirit of “Face pond”?
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