The Beginner’s Guide to Chinese Calligraphy by Yi Yuan

Author:Yi Yuan
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Shanghai Press
Published: 2008-11-15T00:00:00+00:00

Paper

Among the “Four Great Inventions”—the compass, gunpowder, paper-making, and printing, the paper-making technology has contributed greatly to the development of Chinese characters and Chinese culture. Before paper was invented, scratches were made on animal bones, bronze wares, stones, and bamboos. In the Western Han Dynasty in the 2nd century BC, efforts were made to make paper from hemp. It was not until the middle of the Eastern Han Dynasty (105) that Cai Lun greatly upgraded the paper-making techniques, resulting in quality paper that could be used for practical purpose, and a significant improvement in the range to and the speed at which writing was spreading. Among the many types of paper available today, Xuanzhi (Xuan paper, named after the place of production), traditionally made in Xuancheng, Anhui Province, is the best known.

Different categories of Xuanzhi are chosen for different styles of writing or painting. Generally speaking, Xuanzhi has better absorbency and is used when writing bigger Chinese characters. Paper with a thin layer of alumina on surface is used when writing small characters because ink does not permeate easily. Even newspapers can be used as an alternative for beginners.

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