Traveling Trunk

Calligraphy (also known as the art of fancy letter writing) is a visual art form that has been a Chinese tradition for over 3,000 years (12). It is used to express the calligrapher's emotions, individuality, thoughts, and soul.

Chinese calligraphy began with carvings in ox bone and tortoise shell and has evolved greatly over the ages. The Chinese often refer to the “Four Treasures of Study” which are the brush, paper, inkstick, and inkstone (13). The inkstick is slowly dissolved into ink by grinding it gently into water in the inkstone. The inkstone not only aids in creating the ink but also stores the ink in its basin during the writing process. These items are important to every Chinese scholar.

Chinese calligraphy is considered an important part of a painting. Sometimes scholars will add their calligraphy to another’s painting to show their appreciation for it or even adorn it with a poem. This fancy writing technique is still used today. It can be seen in modern day wedding invitations, font styles, and certificates. It is even used to create official documents by international leaders.

For a video of calligraphy, please see the following website: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r4ghtJolXC8 (14).