Chinese calligraphy

High school (ages 12+)
Art & Creativity

Name:

Date:

Step 1 · Read the article

Open the article and read it at the level above. Then answer the questions below in your own words.

https://smallwhale.org/articles/chinese-calligraphy

Write what each word means, using the article.

Do not copy the article. Write two things you learned, the way you would explain them to a friend.

Answers below are taken from the article’s stored facts, so they match what the student read.

1. What is the geographical origin?China, with profound influence across East Asia (Japan, Korea, Vietnam)
2. What is the core aesthetic principle?Emphasis on 'energy in motion,' rhythm, and dynamic life within brushstrokes
3. Why do calligraphers use a brush made from animal hair?The animal hair brush lets them create many line styles by changing pressure, angle, and ink load.
4. How do calligraphers make ink?They grind a solid stick of soot and binder on an inkstone with water to get the right color and texture.

Literati: The educated elite and scholar-officials of traditional China, valued for their artistic and intellectual pursuits.
Xuan Paper (宣紙): A highly absorbent and durable paper, essential for achieving nuanced ink effects in calligraphy and painting.
Four Treasures of the Study (文房四宝): The indispensable tools for Chinese calligraphy: brush, ink, paper, and inkstone.