Chinese calligraphy : an introduction to its aesthetic and technique : with 6 plates and 155 text illustratons

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CHINESE CALLIGRAPHY

This * Perpendicular’ Stroke, Hsti-Hua (& #), is like a sheep’s leg. It is written first upwards, then downwards, with a final turn to the left to make a hook if necessary.

This ‘ vertical ’ stroke is called ‘ Dropping-Dew ’, Ch‘ui-Lu (# %), because the lower part is in the form of a dew-drop and has in relation to the upper part the appearance of dropping down. It is written first upwards, then downwards, then turned slightly to the left and drawn back instantly.

This stroke is called ‘ Suspended Needle’, HsiianChen (8 $1), from its shape. It is written first upwards, then downwards.

This stroke has a Curved-head, Ch‘ii-T‘ou (#8 38) executed with a slight twist of the brush-hair at the start. The brush is then drawn downwards and at the end slightly turned to the left and brought back instantly.

This Sweeping-left Stroke, ‘ Pieh’ (it), is very important. It has many varieties of shape, of which this, the first, called the Shghtly Curved Pieh, Ch'iiPao-Pieh (th 4 ik), is written first a little to the right, then with a sweeping movement to the left, and ends with a slight backward turn to the right.

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