@ Dogsbody
Well, I am not too keen on calligraphy where the brush is so huge that one can barely control it. It breaks the energy that is channeled from your heart during writing. It may have an artistic effect, however. Similarly to zenei-shodou (avant-garde calligraphy), where kanji are unreadable. Zenei-shodou can be absolutely fantastic, but again, one needs to be knowledgeable to perform it well, and i have not seen works larger than 2x3meters. That is easily done with a short axis but wide brush.
I love large scale calligraphy, but the brush is never dominating my mind or body. Then again, i am a big bastard ^_^.
Large brush calligraphy show is quite popular in Japan, but calligraphic classicists are not too crazy about it.
Zen shodou is different, see. Entire body takes part in writing, and even though most of the monks (especially nowadays) are not calligraphers, they can express themselves through state of detachment. Still, brush is never overcoming their abilities to control it.
If you look at this guy's picture, he can barely lift a dry brush. Brush of this size can soak 5-7 liters of ink, if not more.
@ Rakun. Appreciate it. I have sent you a PM. I have used soft and long sheep wool brush. (羊毛筆), similar to this:
They are quite difficult to control, but create very beautiful lines.