This section will introduce some knowledge about the types of paper used in Chinese calligraphy, including Xuan paper (rice paper) and Maobian paper, among others.
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…
Recently, many calligraphy beginners have asked me about which side of Maobian paper to use – the smooth side or the rough side. This question has come up frequently, and I previously conducted a survey in my fan group and posted this question on Qi Ming’s calligraphy QQ space. Many calligraphy enthusiasts shared their thoughts…
What is Xuan paper made of? This question fascinates calligraphy enthusiasts and traditional culture lovers worldwide. Understanding what Xuan paper is made of reveals the secrets behind China’s most treasured papermaking craft. Xuan paper is made of four natural materials: green sandalwood bark, sandy field rice straw, kiwi vine, and mountain spring water. This comprehensive…
Many friends in Hong Kong might wonder: What Xuan paper brands are available in Hong Kong? After extensive research, Qi Ming found that Hong Kong doesn’t actually have local companies producing Xuan paper. This isn’t surprising, though.So there are no actual Hong Kong Xuan paper brands, because all authentic Xuan paper is produced in Jing…
For friends who are just starting to learn Chinese calligraphy, choosing the right paper can be confusing. Some people might have heard that Maobian paper is good for beginners, but what exactly is Maobian paper? How do you select quality Maobian paper? Today, Qi Ming combines insights from classical teachers’ discussions about Maobian paper to…
A calligraphy student preparing for an exam once asked me for help with a common and frustrating problem: ink bleeding on Xuan paper. Realizing that many artists, both new and experienced, struggle with this, I decided to create a comprehensive guide based on my own experience and tips from the wider calligraphy community. Ink bleeding…
For many who practice Chinese calligraphy, folding grid lines on Xuan paper can be a challenge. This article aims to help by introducing common Xuan paper sizes and providing practical methods to fold Xuan paper for your calligraphy work. We’ll also cover the most popular technique using four-chi Xuan paper for creating five-character or seven-character…
Many Chinese calligraphy beginners often ask me: “What kind of paper should I use when starting out?” or what is the best paper types for chinese calligraphy beginners？ I believe most newcomers to calligraphy struggle with this paper selection issue. You may have heard others mention using Maobian paper or Yuanshu paper, but what exactly…
Today, I want to share some knowledge about Chinese water writing cloth, also known as “Magic Water Writing Cloth.” If you’ve ever shopped for Chinese writing supplies online, you’ve likely seen stores promoting this so-called “Fifth Treasure of the Study.” Many people are curious about this innovative tool but have questions about how it works,…
