How to Use a Chinese Calligraphy Brush

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Co-authored by Katherine Rinewalt

Last Updated: July 1, 2024 References

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Have you ever wondered how to properly hold a Chinese brush pen?

Using this technique, you will be prepared to write beautiful Chinese characters in the traditional manner.

Steps

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Holding the brush higher creates weaker, softer strokes while holding closer to the bristles create solid, more defined strokes.^{[2]
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Pour ink into the ink stone.^{[5]
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Tilting the brush can add certain effects to the character that may or may not be desirable.^{[6]
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What is ink stick and how do you use it?

MongooXe

Community Answer

It is hardened ink in the form of a brick/stick. You grind it against the ink stone and add water to create the the ink needed for painting, writing, etc.

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Where can I find a brush?

Community Answer

You can find a brush on eBay or Amazon. Just make sure it has a reasonable price and that the seller has at least 95.5% good reviews so you won't get scammed.

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What's the character for "China"?

Community Answer

The symbol for China is 中国.

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Warnings

If you want your brush to last longer, here are some methods to protect it.

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Do not put brush in your mouth.

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Wash your brush every time you use it.

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Do not press too hard or paper will tear.

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Before you use your brush, submerge the tip until the water level ALMOST touches the base of the hair. Do not let the base come into contact with water too much, as the glue holding the brush hairs together will dissolve and you get a "shedding" brush.

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NEVER play around with a dry brush. The hairs will be brittle and can break easily if you drag the tip on paper, causing "forked" tips which we don't want.

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When writing, only 1/3 of the tip should be immersed in ink. Any more, and you'll have trouble washing the brush after use.

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When cleaning the brush, make sure that ALL the ink is cleaned out. Chinese ink contains coagulants that damage the brush if left to dry while still wet with ink.

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Before you start writing, quickly submerge the tip in water and take it out as said above, and leave it for 5 to 10 minutes. This way, the hairs of the brush will not so easily break.

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