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Chinese Calligraphy,
Abstract Art, Mind Painting
by Ngan Siu-Mui
Chapter 7
Techniques for Regular Script
As a calligraphy teacher, I consider acquiring proficiency in the brush manipulation techniques of the seal script’s round strokes as the first step. Indeed, it paves the way for learning the clerical, regular and eventually the running and cursive scripts in sequence. On the same basis, the three-section method is also used in the regular script to describe overtly angular-round strokes with the brush techniques of hidden, central and returned- strokes. Here, I would also like to introduce regular script with which some schools of thought prefer to start. Below is the method, as applied to the regular script:
I. Hidden Stroke
Begin a stroke by the slanting the tip, cutting in, that is: write a horizontal stroke with the tip moving vertically in, and a vertical one, horizontally in. This is called the slanting cut-in method.
Here, the tip does not move forward and backward in the same straight line, as in the seal script. Therefore, start by slanting the tip till it reaches the starting point of the stroke at the upper left corner, then press to create an angular dot. At this juncture, the tip is still a little inclined, but the brush has to be raised slightly, changing the tip from the slanting position to a central one. Subsequently, incline the stem so that its top points towards the left in a horizontal stroke, but towards the upper part, in a vertical one. This will enable one’s strength to flow easily in the intended direction. This is the first section of the method.
II. Central Stroke
Once the angular dot is done with the hidden-stroke, raise the tip slightly and move to the right, with the central-stroke, to complete a horizontal stroke, (downward, for a vertical one), until the end of the stroke. Depending on the style, it may sometimes be necessary to lift or press the tip while advancing. That is the second section.
III. Returned Stroke
At the end of a stroke, slightly incline the tip and press it, so as to make an angular shape. Then raise it, bringing it back to the stroke. This is the third section.
IV. Exposed Stroke
See the explanation about the exposed-stroke in section 5 of chapter 5. If a “tick” shape is needed at the end of a stroke, then slightly lift the tip, pause momentarily, and tick to the left.
V. Joints
To make an angular joint at a corner of a stroke, slightly incline the brush-tip and press. Then return to the central-stroke to continue on.
Table of contents
- Introduction
- Chapter 1 — Creative Energy in Calligraphy
- Chapter 2 — Chinese Calligraphy Scripts
- Chapter 3 — The Calligrapher's Tools :: Chinese brush, paper, ink and ink stone
- Chapter 4 — Watching Lady Gong-Sun's Sword Dance :: The dance of Chinese brush
- Chapter 5 — Chinese Brush Techniques for Calligraphy
- Chapter 6 — Approach to Chinese Calligraphy through the Seal Script
- Chapter 7 — Approach to Chinese Calligraphy Techniques through the Regular Script
- Chapter 8 — Studying the Writings of Ancient Chinese Calligraphers
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