Calligraphy
Chinese calligraphy starts with a brush, ink and paper. Begin with one stroke.
Three habits for your first brush
Hold it upright
Keep the brush vertical, fingers firm and palm hollow. The whole arm moves, not the wrist alone.
Learn 永 first
The character 永, forever, holds the eight basic strokes. Teachers have used it to explain them for centuries.
Copy before you create
Set a master's rubbing beside you and follow its rhythm stroke by stroke. This is called lintie, the traditional way to learn.
The writing shows the person.
Your first kit
Calligraphy
Hand-picked pieces are on the way.
Good to know
What do you need to start Chinese calligraphy?
You need a brush, ink, paper and a copybook. Skip the inkstone at first. A felt mat under the paper stops ink reaching the table.
Which calligraphy style should beginners learn first?
Start with regular script, kaishu. Each stroke is clear and the models are strong, such as Yan Zhenqing and Ouyang Xun. Running and cursive come easier after it.
How do you clean a calligraphy brush?
Rinse it in cool water right after use until it runs clear. Reshape the tip with your fingers and hang it to dry tip down.
