Chinese calligraphy dates back to around the time we believe language developed, which was 4,500 years ago. In 1992 archaeologists found what so far is the earliest example of Chinese calligraphy. It was a piece of pottery inscribed with part painting and part calligraphy. Early examples of Chinese calligraphy were made with sharp tools, but […]
Writing brush, ink stick, paper and ink slab are known as “the four treasures of the study”. They are all indispensable tools for Chinese calligraphy and Chinese painting. We can easily tell how Chinese calligraphers and painters value and treasure them from the name. Despite the evolution of the four tools, it is believed that […]
Oddly enough, the rice paper that is so often connected to Chinese paintings and artwork is not usually made with rice. Most rice paper is actually made from a plant that is related to papyrus, and is known as the “rice paper plant” in China and other parts of Asia. Some other kinds of rice […]
The Chinese ink brush, a tool for calligraphy and painting, is considered to be one of the “Four Treasures of the Study” (wen fang si bao), along with the ink, the ink stone and the paper. These four are so named because they are the essential pieces of equipment for Asian calligraphy. The brush pen […]
The Chinese have a tradition for giving gifts wrapped in red packets. A red packet or red envelope is simply a red envelope with money in it, often decorated with lucky symbols, which symbolize luck and wealth. It is called Hong Bao in Chinese. Traditionally red packets are handed out to younger generation by their […]