Begin your experience with an introduction to the 3,000-year history of Chinese writing and the six major calligraphic scripts: Oracle Bone Script, Seal Script, Clerical Script, Regular Script, Running Script, and Cursive Script. Appreciate representative works of each era and learn how politics, culture, and technological advances influenced the evolution of writing styles.
Next, learn about the core tools for calligraphy and their features, including the brush, ink, paper, and ink stone. Discover auxiliary tools like the brush rest, paperweight, water dropper, and felt pad.
Learn the standard sitting posture and the traditional tripod grip for holding a brush. Discover the Eight Fundamental Strokes of the character Yong, covering eight basic strokes of Chinese characters. The three key steps of brushwork — starting a stroke, moving the brush, and finishing a stroke — are demonstrated in detail.
Practice ink loading and control. Then, copy simple Chinese characters, starting with easy characters such as one, two, and three, arranged in progressive difficulty. Learn standard stroke order rules, calligraphy copying methods, character structure, and layout.
Create finished artworks on high-quality Xuan paper by writing chosen characters or short phrases. All works are displayed and commented on collectively. Instructors also share tips on drying and preserving calligraphy pieces.
Next, learn about the history and cultural value of stone rubbing, which evolved from the practice of copying inscribed stone steles. Learn how it is an important way to duplicate and preserve ancient documents, scriptures, and decorative patterns on cultural relics. Many precious cultural heritages have been passed down through rubbings after the original stone carvings were damaged or lost.
Discover the artistic value of rubbings, with striking contrast between black ink and white paper. Rubbings are valued as independent artworks and collected worldwide.
Watch as instructors demonstrate the complete rubbing process step by step, followed by hands-on practice. Clean the carved plate and place it steadily. Lay rubbing paper over the carving, moisten and press the paper gently to fit the engraved patterns and remove air bubbles. Blot excess water to keep the paper slightly damp — proper humidity is critical to avoid ink bleeding or poor ink adhesion.
Apply ink evenly by tapping the paper with a dabber. Ink adheres to the raised parts while the carved recesses stay blank, forming distinct patterns. Carefully peel off the paper and inspect the finished rubbing, then fix minor flaws if needed.
Select carved plates with traditional characters or patterns to complete your own rubbing artworks. All finished rubbings are displayed together with calligraphy works.
Receive learning materials, reference books, and information about local enthusiast communities for continued practice. End the workshop with a group photo and distribution of participation certificates.
