How is Chinese calligraphy different to Western calligraphy?
In both styles, the artist writes ornately with a brush. However, in Chinese calligraphy, the artist is encouraged to allow emotion to affect the movement of the brush. Western calligraphers tend to use mostly pens, while Chinese calligraphers tend to use mostly brushes and ink stones. Additionally, the attitudes toward calligraphy were (are) different. While valuable, Western calligraphy is not held in as high esteem as Western paintings, pottery and other art. In contrast, Chinese calligraphy is held in as high esteem, if not higher, than Chinese paintings. Materials used The brushes used for Chinese calligraphy are similar to brushes used for painting. They have fine tips to allow the artist flexibility in styles and creativity. Brushes are made out of rabbit hair or hair from the sheep of Hunan province. Ink can be different consistencies and is often used by itself to show depth and emotion by using heavier or lighter strokes, thicker or thinner ink, and other methods. Calligraphy
