Masterworks of early calligraphyThe kana syllabary was invented in Japan during the Heian period (794-1185) based on kanji characters imported from China. Kokin wakashū (Collection of Japanese Poems of Ancient and Modern Times), Segment of Volume 12 (Hon’ami gire) (11th Century) by UnknownKyoto National Museum Sinuous and simple, brush-written kana gave birth to a uniquely Japanese, aesthetically