Font Kanteiryu
Flavie Fulks
What is Kanteiryu Font and How to Use It?
Kanteiryu font is a typeface that is based on the style of letters used in the titles and billboards of Kabuki plays, a traditional Japanese theater form. It was developed by the calligrapher Okazakiya Kanroku (also known as Kantei) in the Edo period (1603-1868). The letters are written to fill the writing area with very little spaces between them, as a metaphor for filling the theater with energy and excitement. The font has a stout and bold appearance, with thick strokes and sharp angles.
Kanteiryu font is suitable for creating titles and headlines that need to catch attention and convey a sense of drama and passion. It can also be used for logos, posters, banners, flyers, and other design projects that require a strong and distinctive style. However, it is not recommended for long texts or small sizes, as it may be hard to read or lose its impact.
There are several versions of Kanteiryu font available from different font foundries, such as Morisawa[^1^], MyFonts[^2^], and DynaFont[^3^]. Each version may have different features, such as character sets, weights, formats, and languages supported. You can browse and compare them online or download samples to try them out. To use Kanteiryu font on your website or app, you may need to purchase a web font license or use a web font service that provides it.
Kanteiryu font is a unique and expressive typeface that can add some flair and drama to your design. If you are looking for a font that reflects the spirit and culture of Kabuki theater, you may want to give Kanteiryu font a try.
Kanteiryu font is inspired by the history and aesthetics of Kabuki theater, which originated in the 17th century and is still performed today. Kabuki theater combines drama, music, dance, and elaborate costumes and makeup to tell stories of historical events, legends, and moral conflicts. The actors use exaggerated gestures, expressions, and vocalizations to convey the emotions and personalities of their characters. The stage is often decorated with colorful curtains, props, and special effects, such as revolving platforms, trapdoors, and flying rigs.
The name Kanteiryu means "the style of Kantei", referring to the calligrapher who created it. Kantei was a master of various styles of Japanese calligraphy, such as kaisho (regular script), gyosho (semi-cursive script), and sosho (cursive script). He was also skilled in painting and carving. He was hired by the Kabuki theaters to write the titles and billboards for their plays, which he did with his own distinctive style. He used thick brushes and ink to create bold and dynamic letters that matched the mood and theme of the plays. He also added decorative elements, such as flowers, animals, and symbols, to enhance the visual appeal of his works.
Kanteiryu font is a modern adaptation of Kantei's style, designed for digital media and printing. It preserves the essence and charm of his original calligraphy, while making it more accessible and versatile for contemporary use. It can be used to create eye-catching and memorable designs that evoke the spirit and culture of Kabuki theater.