A Beginner's Guide to Chinese Calligraphy

Chinese calligraphy is a very old and special form of art in Chinese culture. It is not only about writing words but it is also about showing the beauty and feeling. Each stroke in calligraphy shows the writer’s personality, emotion and skills. To learn calligraphy, you need patience, concentration, and focus.

Let's start from the first step in learning Chinese calligraphy is to prepare the right tools, called the "Four Treasures of the Study" consisting of the brush, ink, paper, and inkstone. The brush is made from animal hair and comes in different sizes. The ink is usually solid and it is mixed with water on an inkstone to make liquid ink. The special paper, called Xuan paper, is soft and good for smooth brushstrokes. Having these tools ready helps you start your practice correctly.

         Next, learn how to hold the brush. First form your hand into a shape like a gun, thumb up, then index and middle fingers straight out together. Place the brush between the index and middle fingers, resting against the base of the thumb. Grasp the brush with your thumb, index finger, and middle finger. The ring and little fingers are tucked under for support. This is the precise writing grip. Don't hold it too tightly, leave some space in the palm of your hand, imagine there is a quail egg and don't let it break.

        Your wrist and hand position are also important. The right hand is holding a brush very straight and upright. To ensure stability and control for making precise lines, the right wrist is firmly resting on the back of the hand. The left hand is lying flat on the table, acting as a steady support or cushion to help stabilize the writing movement. The movement should come from the wrist, not just from the finger.

        After that, practice the basic strokes and simple characters before trying harder ones. Each Chinese character is made of different lines horizontal, vertical, dots, hooks, and curves. Practice these strokes again and again. When you are ready, you can try to write simple characters. Watching and copying the works of great calligraphers will also help you improve.

     Chinese calligraphy is not just writing but it is an art that shows peace, beauty, and discipline. Every line you draw expresses your spirit and emotion. By learning to hold the brush well, move your arm correctly, and practice the basic strokes, you can begin to understand this beautiful art. With time and practice, your writing will not only look nice but also show the deep meaning of Chinese culture. (cssa)