C

The art of calligraphy has been identified with the life of the cultured or cultivated individual from the first introduction of Chinese writing to Japan in the 5th century. In both the Chinese and Japanese traditions calligraphy, poetry and painting have remained closely linked. Chinese characters were initially used in Japan in official documents and Buddhist texts but Japan's emerging aristocracy soon began to learn the techniques of Chinese poetry. Poetic prowess became no less important than mastery of other areas of knowledge to success in the bureacracy and cultural credentials in the court.