“I’m a beginner at copying Chinese calligraphy. How should I practice?” This is a question many Chinese calligraphy enthusiasts frequently ask me on WeChat. Today, Qi Ming is sharing my own experience with copying Chinese calligraphy to help beginners master this traditional art form. Essential Preparation Before Copying Chinese Calligraphy Before you officially start copying…
How Did Ancient Chinese Calligraphers Hold Their Brushes?Have you ever thought about this question? Today I’m sharing an article originally titled “How Did Wang Xizhi Hold His Brush? Experts Say He May Have Used the ‘Two-Finger Method’,” originally published in Yangtze Evening News. Qi Ming finds this very interesting (though this doesn’t necessarily represent my…
Understanding the differences between resting wrist, suspended wrist, and suspended elbow techniques is straightforward for experienced Chinese calligraphy practitioners. However, many beginners find themselves confused about these fundamental hand positions. The main questions beginners ask are: What exactly are resting wrist, suspended wrist, and suspended elbow techniques? Which method should I start with as a…
How different papers affect Chinese brush writing performance is a question that many calligraphy practitioners ask after practicing for a while. Just a few days ago, a calligraphy friend shared with Qi Ming his experience using two of Qi Ming’s Chinese brushes – Wen Fang Qing Yue and Chu Pu – on different types of…
Many calligraphy enthusiasts have messaged me privately asking how to clean Chinese brushes thoroughly, especially the root area. Some also want to know how to clean Chinese brushes thoroughly and dry them faster. Since I have some experience with brush cleaning and maintenance, I took several photos of my usual brush cleaning process with my…
Bamboo handle Chinese brushes often have a tendency to crack, especially brushes with high animal hair content. These brushes absorb more water, making them more prone to cracking. Here, Qi Ming shares a method using the Chinese brush cap to reinforce the brush barrel area, preventing the brush handle from cracking or stopping existing cracks…
Many beginners in Chinese calligraphy encounter the frustrating problem when their Chinese brushes shed bristles. What causes Chinese brushes to shed, and more importantly, how can we fix and prevent this issue? Today, Qi Ming will share some practical insights based on personal experience. Why Do Chinese Brushes Shed Bristles? Reason 1: Manufacturing Issues The…
Although the title focuses on why Qi Ming Wen Fang’s bamboo-handled Chinese brushes crack, the truth is that all genuine bamboo-handled Chinese brushes can potentially crack. I’m writing this article not only for myself but also for my fellow Chinese brush sellers. Recently, some calligraphy beginners who purchased bamboo-handled Chinese brushes from Qi Ming Wen…
Due to my work, I often travel between the Qi Ming Wen Fang warehouse and my home. Sometimes when chatting with taxi drivers on the way to the warehouse, I’m frequently asked about my occupation. When I tell them I sell the Four Treasures of the Study, eight out of ten drivers will ask: “What…
