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How to Hold Brush in Chinese Calligraphy? - Finger method

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Finger method

The important thing about holding the brush is the rational way of holding the five fingers and the coordinated use of these fingers. The functions of the five fingers are called ye, ya, gou, ge and di in Chinese.

Ye means to press down and refers to the use of the thumb. The thumb should press the brush slantwise from inside to outside. Ya refers to how the index finger holds the brush handle. Move the finger slantwise and bend it slightly from outside to inside. The index finger and the thumb coordinate, so that one presses and the other holds the brush handle.

Gou (hook) is the way the middle finger hooks the outside of the brush. Move this finger forcefully from left to right to hook the brush. The middle finger must coordinate well with the third finger to write characters. Ge refers to the way the third finger press the brush. The third finger is placed on the inside of the brush handle pressing the handle from the inside to the outside. It coordinates with the middle finger, so that the two fingers exert an even and balanced force.

Di refers to the work of the little finger, which is placed under the third finger to help it.

The important points in holding the brush are: The fingers must exert substan tial force. The palm does no actual work. Xu Chengyi, a calligrapher, recommends the following:

The tiger's mouth is like a crescent moon.

The palm is shaped like hiding an egg.

If the five fingers coordinate with each other,

The movement of the brush will be agile.

Finger method - How to Hold Brush in Chinese Calligraphy?

Holding the brush

Finger method - How to Hold Brush in Chinese Calligraphy?

Supported wrist method.



Last Updated on Tuesday, 05 April 2011 22:56