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.
Cursive script is faster to write than other styles, but difficult to read for those unfamiliar with it. It functions primarily as a kind of shorthand script or calligraphic style. People who can read standard or printed forms of Chinese may not be…
Draft of a Requiem to My Nephew (祭侄文稿) was written by Yan Zhenqing (顏真卿) to express his grief and sorrow for the death of his nephew, during the rebellion of An Lushan (安祿山) in around 755 AD.
This scroll was likely a preliminary draft for the…
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…
Fai Chun (揮春) is a traditional decoration that is often used during Chinese New Year. Chinese put Fai Chun in the doorways to create elated festive atmosphere. The phrases written on it usually means good luck and prosperity. Customarily, Fai Chun is…
In this piece, Tingjian wrote poems to his friend, Wang Gong (王鞏), saying that Wang Jinqing (王晉卿, 王詵) sent him written poems and keep waiting for his response by sending him flowers, but he didn't feel like writing a poem. On the other words, this…
A brush that is made with goat hair, which is softer and has less flexibility. Goat hair brushes usually absorb ink easily and are used to write rounded and thick words. This kind of brush is also more long-lasting compared to other types of harder…
Huang Tingjian (黃庭堅) was a Chinese artist, scholar, government official, and poet of the Song dynasty. He is predominantly known as a calligrapher and is also admired for his painting and poetry. He was a younger friend of Su Shi (蘇軾) and influenced…
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…