An Introduction to Chinese Calligraphy

by Lucien X. Polastron, Jiaojia Ouyang

With 142 photos and these short, step-by-step lessons from a master Chinese calligrapher, you can enjoy the basics of the beautiful characters of Chinese. Begin by learning the history and traditions of this art form, and the techniques of using the "four treasures": the brush and other basic tools. Learn the correct body position, and how to hold the brush. Then practice calligraphy in the Kaishu style, with clear instructions and easy exercises to guide you. First you will learn 19 basic strokes. You can then combine them to write Chinese characters, and finally, four chengyu (proverbs). A selection of calligraphy artworks by contemporary artists is also included to inspire you.

80 pages, Hardcover

Published January 28, 2017

About the author

- Born in 1944 from Gascony families.
- Classical studies and first articles published (about medieval architecture, and after spending days in research libraries).
- Deputy chief editor at Maisons d’hier et d’aujourd’hui monthly magazine in 1966.
- Early in the seventies, works for modern art and architecture press.
- First trip to China in 1976, learns Chinese and starts reporting about Chinese cultural history then Japan.
- Begins practicing Chinese calligraphy and devotes himself to studying paper workmanship in Asia. Starts writing a huge history of paper.
- 1992: the destruction of the National Library in Sarajevo triggers his systematic research into destruction of libraries as he had already encountered several such events while working on paper history.
- End of the nineties: to complete his knowledge begins visiting Middle-East, mainly Egypt, starts learning Arabic, classical, colloquial, and calligraphy.
- 2003: 55th stay in China, 21st in Japan, 8th in Alexandria. Lives and works in Normandy.