A photo of Japanese brush calligraphy. There is a red stamp with Japanese characters in the right corner.

Introduction to Asian Brush Calligraphy

Class | Available

2107 Westlake Ave Seattle, WA 98121 United States
First Floor Studio #4
All Levels
1/15/2025-3/19/2025
1:30 PM-4:30 PM PST on Wed
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$630.00
$567.00

Introduction to Asian Brush Calligraphy

Class | Available

LOCATION NOTE: This class will be taking place at our South Lake Union Location.

Asian brush calligraphy is an ancient art form that evolved over 3,000 years ago and is the foundation of sumi painting. Students will work with the traditional tools of bamboo brush and sumi (ink) as they are introduced to the basic strokes of Chinese characters. Three scripts or styles of writing will be introduced.

  • 1. BRUSH Super White Cloud brush (great student grade combination brush; will make learning much easier)
    Two recommended sources: Paragon Art
    From QFC:QFC super white cloud brush

    2. PRACTICE PAPERS Non-absorbent paper is easier to work with when practicing. Options:
    Calligraphy paper with grid
    Thin practice paper plus felt with calligraphy grid
    Calligraphy Paper with grid;
    many sources available through Amazon.

    An example: Thin Hanshi Paper from amazon -Thin Hanshi Paper to be used with felt with calligraphy grid (see link below for this felt)
    Thin, practice paper from Amazon (many options; less than $10 for pkg of 100 sheets).
    Felt Caligraphy Grid and  Or at a Daiso store (about $2)

    3. RICE PAPER Not required for first few classes.
    Options: 1) Mulberry paper Mulberry Paper Link/ParagonArt
    2) Mulberry Pi-Ma paper Mulberry/Pi-Ma/ParagonArt
    3) Semi-absorbent calligraphy paper from Amazon Semi-Absorbent Paper

    4. INK (sumi), liquid Sources:
    Sumi Ink/ ParagonArt
    as well as through Amazon (NOTE: I am not able to vouch for the quality of all the options of ink through Amazon)

    5. FELT Can be white, o?-white, or black to cover work area.
    Suggested size: at least 12”x18” or larger Felt with grid is useful when used with thin Hanshi paper.
    Again, many options through Amazon

    6. PAPER WEIGHT Steel bars (1 or 2), kitchen table knife as it is low and flat, or 2-3 rocks Source: paperweight/ paragonart
    as well as through Amazon (NOTE: I am not able to vouch for the quality of all the options of ink through Amazon)


    7. Water container Plastic container with smooth edges, bowl, or jar

    8. Container to hold ink.  small lid, or shallow container
Lois Yoshida