The Four Treasures
BRUSH
Animal hair is typically used to make a brush used for Chinese Caligraphy. Sheep and Wolf are conventional sources, while the hair of the bear, pig, chicken, rat are also used. Bamboo is used to make the stick that holds the hair that forms the brush.
INK
Unlike western pen’s ink, Chinese ink is made from pine charcoal, which can’t be used in a regular pen because the Chinese ink will dry and stick in the tube of the pen. Therefore, Chinese ink is solidified and made into a stick called an ink stick. Before writing, the calligrapher grinds the ink stick with water to obtain the black liquid ink.
PAPER
The paper used for Chinese Caligraphy is the Xuan paper. Xuan paper is distinguished by its high water absorption. If Xuan paper is unavailable, toilet paper is a good substitute.
INK STONE
The Ink stone is a bowl used to grind the ink stick and to keep the ink liquid. The ink stone comes in various shapes and sizes and is a major component in making the ink. A good ink stone results in better quality ink.
Posture
SEATED
• head is upright;
• the body is straight;
• the shoulder is aligned;
• arms are opened;
• feet are still.
HOLDING THE BRUSH
Holding your arm away from the desk makes it easy to write huge
characters. This enables your arm to be free so that movement is without any restriction;
Putting your arm on the desk is more stable and allows control of your brush. The stability is especially important for beginners. When you are holding a brush, there should be a space in the middle of your hand so that you could move all of your fingers and the brush stick should be vertical.
Method
KNOWING YOUR INK
Making Ink is the first thing to learn. Beginners are like a chef trying different recipes when making ink. Fortunately, there are only two ingredients for the ink, one is the solidified and concentrated ink stick, and the other is water.
Start by paint any random thing on Xuan paper to see how the liquid moves when you move your brush fast or slow using only the nib or the full brush hair. Try it, and observe the ink on the Xuan paper. Eventual mastery of Chinese Caligraphy means that you can image how the brush strokes will look even before you put brush to paper.
Practise
Practice by copying. Copying is the best way to start learning Chinese Caligraphy. Copy from Samples or Copybooks, you will understand the balance of structures not only between a single Chinese character but also the whole work on a large scale. Practice makes a habit.
24 Comments
Hi, when are the next Chinese calligraphy lessons?
Hi Pei Ying, The next class will be this Friday at 7:30pm to 9:30pm.
Hello! May i know if there is calligraphy writing for children age 5
Hi Camelia, our available classes are for adults currently. However, we are building a new children’s class on Saturdays. I will have to get back to you if a 5-year old is too young.
i’m also interested for 5 year old. Pls let me know when this is available. Thanks!
Hi, sure will e-mail you for the class.
Hi,
I’m interested in the Chinese calligraphy writing for children. possible to have more info?
Hi, thank you for your inquiry. Our current Chinese Calligraphy teacher does not teach children. He generally teaches adults but it may be possible for 12 years and above. Will e-mail you separately with your inquiry.
Hi, im interested in chinese calligraphy. May i know the cost and the timing? Can email me? Thanks.
Hi Cindy. Our Chinese Calligraphy classes are every Friday from 7:30pm to 9:30pm. Cost is $250 for 4 lessons. Will e-mail you separately too.
Hi,
May I know whether the calligraphy class is for writing (chinese character ) OR
painting ( bamboo or flowers) ?
Thanks
Hi Bee,
The classes are in both so you can choose which style you prefer as you go along. Let us know if you would like more information.
Hi there,
May I please know how do we sign up for the classes? (:
Hi Jia, best is to call Mei directly or visit us. I’ll email you directly to give you her number.
Hi, when is the beginner Chinese calligraphy class starting?
Hi Evelyn, thank you for contacting us. Will email you directly with details of the Chinese Calligraphy class.
Hi, I am interested in learning basic calligraphy. Am looking on weekdays.
Could you advise on the schedule and the cost involved?
Thank you very much.
Hi Jone, Thank you for contacting us. Will send the schedule for our calligraphy classes to you directly.
Hi,
Is there any calligraphy painting lesson for kids of 7 years old ? Thanks
Hi Liew, yes there is. Will send you the schedule directly to your email.
Hi I am interested in next friday’s Chinese Calligraphy class, is the fee $250 for one lesson only thanks
Hi Vernon, no the fee is for 4 lessons.
Hi,
Calligraphy class will learn the different stroke or can I focus on just one stroke? I prefer will (Kaisu)
Hi Kandy, thank you for contacting us. You can tailor your lesson with Mr. Chew Choon. Classes are on Mondays from 10am to 12pm or Fridays from 7:30pm to 9:30pm.