Browse Items (43 total)

The clerical script is an archaic style of Chinese calligraphy which evolved from the Warring States period to the Qin dynasty, was a dominant script in the Han dynasty, and remained in use through the Wei-Jin periods.

Due to its high legibility…

Running script is a cursive style of Chinese characters. Because it is not as abbreviated as cursive, most people who can read regular script can read running script. It is highly useful and also artistic.

Running script had already been formed in…

Seal script (篆書) developed in the Zhou Dynasty and was adopted as the final script for all of China during the Qin dynasty. It was widely used for decorating and engraving purposes during the Han Dynasty. It belongs to the Bronze Age of China and in…

Duan stone is a volcanic tuff, commonly of a purple to a purple-red color. There are various distinctive markings, due to various rock materials imbedded in the stone, that create unique designs and stone eyes (inclusions) which were traditionally…

Pine soot ink is made from the soot of pine wood, which is produced by the anoxic burning of pine wood. It has less glue (animal glue, e.g. Egg white, fish skin, or ox hide glues) and so spreads more than oil soot ink. Pine soot ink is a lot less…

Oil soot ink is made using the soot of burnt tung oil or various other oils. There is more glue (animal glue, e.g. egg white, fish skin, or ox hide glues) in this type of ink than the other kinds, so it does not spread as much. Oil soot ink has more…

Liquid Ink is a type of ink that was invented in the 19th century, and can be used directly without an ink stone. This is usually used by beginners as it is more convenient and easy to use.

The inventor of liquid ink, Taguchi Seiji, was a teacher…

Shu Xuan paper, has Potassium alum worked into it during production, which results in a stiffer texture, a reduced ability to absorb water, and less resistance to shear stress (meaning that it can be torn much more easily). Shu Xuan Paper is usually…

Sheng Xuan is a type of Xuan paper that is usually not processed, and has high ink absorbance abilities and has high flexibility. It is difficult for beginners to use Sheng Xuan paper because the ink is absorbed quickly, causing it to blur. Sheng…

Mao Bian Paper is a type of paper that is usually made from bamboo fibers. It has a fine and smooth texture, and is thin and soft, it has a low water resistance and absorbs ink well.