The Fundamentals of Kaishu: Stroke Order and Techniques

Mastering Regular Script (Kaishu) requires a deep understanding of its fundamental elements, especially stroke order and various stroke techniques. These foundational elements are essential for creating well-formed characters, and mastery of these fundamentals takes significant time, patience, and dedication. They are the foundation upon which the art form is built.

Stroke order is critical in Kaishu. The order in which the strokes are made when forming each character is standardized. This order is not arbitrary, but rather follows established principles that ensure efficiency and visual harmony. Learning the correct stroke order is essential to avoid mistakes. Proper stroke order contributes to the visual appeal of a character, as well as the ease with which it can be created.

There are eight fundamental strokes in Kaishu, sometimes called the 'Eight Principles of Yong'. These include the horizontal stroke, the vertical stroke, the left-falling stroke, the right-falling stroke, the upward-rising stroke, the dot, the upward hook, and the downward hook. Each of these strokes has its own unique form and its own unique set of rules.

The execution of each stroke requires specific techniques of brush handling, including how to load the brush with ink and how to control the pressure and speed of each stroke. The beginning of the stroke, called the qi bi (起筆), the middle of the stroke, and the end of the stroke, called the shou bi (收筆), all require precision and awareness. The proper manipulation of the brush is critical for mastery of the art form.

Consistent practice is essential for refining these stroke techniques. Beginners often focus on mastering the basic strokes, gradually progressing to more complex stroke combinations. This incremental approach to learning is a key element of Chinese calligraphy and requires dedication and time.