also: ろくたい
six historical styles of kanji writing
Refers to the six traditional calligraphic styles: large seal, small seal, clerical, triangular-swept clerical, running, and cursive. A technical term in calligraphy and historical linguistics.
We learned about the six historical styles of kanji writing in calligraphy class.
この辞典には六体の例が載っている。
This dictionary includes examples of the six historical styles.
書体 is a broader term for any writing style or typeface, while 六体 specifically denotes the six classical styles.
Standard kanji spelling; reading りくたい is more common in modern contexts.
Alternate reading ろくたい is less common and may be considered archaic or specialized.
From 六 (six) + 体 (form/style). The term is a direct Sino-Japanese compound referring to the six traditional calligraphic styles.