The four treasures of the study (文房四宝) - brush, ink, paper, and inkstone - are essential tools for calligraphy. Understanding their characteristics and selection methods is crucial for calligraphy practice.
Brush (笔)
Brushes are classified by hair type: wolf hair (hard), sheep hair (soft), and mixed hair (medium). Beginners should choose mixed hair brushes which are moderately soft and hard, easy to control. Wolf hair has strong elasticity but is difficult to control; sheep hair stores much ink but is hard to apply force. Choose medium regular script brushes 3-4 cm in length for daily practice.
Brush maintenance: After use, wash thoroughly with clean water, gently squeeze out water, and hang vertically with tip downward. Never leave brushes soaking in water.
Ink (墨)
Traditional ink is made from pine soot or oil soot mixed with glue. Modern liquid ink is convenient for beginners. Mix with water at about 1:1 ratio for smooth writing. High-quality ink produces rich layers with both moist and dry effects.
Paper (纸)
Xuan paper is the preferred calligraphy paper, divided into raw Xuan (absorbs ink quickly), cooked Xuan (does not absorb ink), and half-raw Xuan (moderate absorption). Beginners should use half-raw Xuan or Maobian paper which absorbs ink evenly and is cost-effective.
Inkstone (砚)
Inkstones are used for grinding solid ink or holding liquid ink. Famous inkstones include Duan inkstone from Guangdong and She inkstone from Anhui. For beginners, a small ceramic ink dish is sufficient. Keep it clean to avoid ink residue affecting writing.
Additional Tools
Brush rest: For placing brushes when not in use. Paperweight: For holding paper in place. Seal and seal paste: For signing completed works. Brush holder: For storing brushes.
Selection Principles
Beginners should choose tools that are comfortable, practical, and easy to control. Don't pursue expensive tools - suitable is best. As the saying goes: 'A skilled craftsman must first sharpen his tools.'