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Chinese calligraphy does not only focus on technique, but also reflects a deep character in one’s soul. It trains your patience and the way to appreciate arts. With merely a brush and ink, an impressive piece of art can be created. Each stroke comprises a character and every separate character constitutes a small piece of art. It is beautiful and meaningful.

Meet the Master Calligrapher

Mr. Lui Chiu Wing, who aims at passing this much appreciated Chinese tradition to the next generations does not only teach at his Chinese calligraphy learning center, but also teaches at different primary schools in Hong Kong. Chinese calligraphy is part of Chinese cultures, which should be well preserved. Therefore, in order to let the young generations learn this traditional form of art, many schools have also added it into the school curriculum.

The foundation of Chinese calligraphy

The word 永 comprises all the possible strokes in Chinese character, including dian, heng, shu, gou ti, wan, pie and na. We name this as 永字八法 (“yong zhi ba fa”, the eight strokes of “yong”). All Chinese calligraphers must practice this word before they start writing any other word.

 

Chinese calligraphy is widely practiced in China. It is an important and much appreciated part of Chinese culture. It distinguishes itself from other cultural arts because it emphasizes motion and is charged with dynamic life. It has also led to the development of many forms of art in China. In 2009, Chinese calligraphy was classified as the world’s Intangible Cultural Heritage. None of other characters around the world of any other languages has ever received this honor.  Chinese calligraphy focuses not only on methods of writing but also on cultivating one’s character and promoting health.

“Chinese calligraphy is part of our Chinese culture and we should preserve it.”

Mr. Lui Chiu-wing, master Chinese calligrapher

There is an increasing number of people learning Chinese calligraphy in these few years. Many schools have also added it into the school curriculum and made it part of the visual art lesson. Despite its popularity in modern society, this traditional art is facing a big challenge: lack of resources. There are just few qualified teachers who are capable to teach Chinese calligraphy in Hong Kong. Demand is larger than supply and all we need is to groom more Chinese calligraphy teachers so that this traditional art can be passed to next generations.

All of the interviewees said that Wang Xizhi is one of the best Chinese calligraphers. He excelled in every script but particularly in the semi-cursive script. Unfortunately, none of his original works remains today but his students have copied and preserved traces of his style. Wang’s most famous work is the Preface to the Poems Composed at the Orchid Pavilion Preface to the Poems Composed at the Orchid Pavilion, the preface of a collection of poems written by a number of poets when gathering at Lanting. Mrs. Hung said that his style of writing is very elegant.

“When future generations look back to my time, it will probably be similar to how I now think of the past.”

                     –  Wang Zi-zhi, “Sage of Calligraphy”

Most of the students in Mr. Lui’s class are young people. One of them is Mr Li Suen Wai, the champion of Hong Kong penmanship who has learnt Chinese calligraphy for five years and has had remarkable achievement. He thinks it is important to learn Chinese calligraphy because handwriting is like the outfit of a person. Having a good handwriting can give people good impression. He also said that practicing Chinese calligraphy is different from any other activities. Instead of competing with others, he challenges himself through daily practices. He promises himself to write better everyday.

“Good handwriting can give people good impression. I was shocked at my 80s colleagues’ handwritings and I do not want my daughter’s be like theirs.”

– Mrs. Hung, parent

Adapting Chinese calligraphy to modern times

The art form of Chinese calligraphy is changing due to the impact of modern culture. Impulsive creativity is inputted into this traditional art. It is essential for people to strike a balance between upholding the best of traditional Chinese calligraphy while reflecting modern culture and life. Take the example of Mr. Tsang Tsou Choi, who is also named as the King of Kowloon. His new form of calligraphy graffiti has received international recognition.

Sources:
Wikipedia
BBC News
China Culture

New York Times