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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.

  1. [1]
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  2. Holding the brush higher creates weaker, softer strokes while holding closer to the bristles create solid, more defined strokes.[2]
  3. [3]
  4. [4] See how to grind ink.
  5. Pour ink into the ink stone.[5]
  6. Tilting the brush can add certain effects to the character that may or may not be desirable.[6]
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Community Q&A

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  • Question
    What is ink stick and how do you use it?
    MongooXe
    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.
  • Question
    Where can I find a brush?
    Community Answer
    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.
  • Question
    What's the character for "China"?
    Community Answer
    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.
  • Do not put brush in your mouth.
  • Wash your brush every time you use it.
  • Do not press too hard or paper will tear.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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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Things You'll Need

  • Chinese writing brush
  • Xuan paper (Or any sort of absorbent paper)
  • Ink stick or bottled black ink
  • Ink stone
  • A traditional calligraphy set includes:
  • Goat hair brush
  • Leopard or wolf fur brush
  • Well (Ink bowl)
  • Ink stick 
  • Inkstone
  • Brass spoon
  • A brass box (Used for storing excess ink)

Expert Interview

Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about writing, check out our in-depth interview with Katherine Rinewalt.

About This Article

Katherine Rinewalt
Co-authored by:
Calligrapher
This article was co-authored by Katherine Rinewalt. Katherine Rinewalt is a Calligrapher based in Orlando, Florida. Katherine owns Rosebud Calligraphy and has over 6 years of experience. Rosebud Calligraphy is a calligraphy and stationery design studio offering invitations, handwritten pieces, and signage for weddings and special events. Katherine is passionate about helping others elevate their weddings and events with her personalized touch. This article has been viewed 165,381 times.
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Co-authors: 21
Updated: July 1, 2024
Views: 165,381
Categories: Artwork
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 165,381 times.

Reader Success Stories

  • Donna Tang

    Donna Tang

    Jan 23, 2019

    "I learned the basic of holding a brush, and that movement is through the finger and not the elbow."
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