Five words to describe how to hold the brush

Dateca. 1943

Maker Shen Yinmo Chinese, 1883-1971

Label TextIn 1943, Shen Yinmo composed an essay, "How to Hold a Brush," his first treatise on calligraphy. He argues that "The key to maneuvering a brush is to master lifting and pressing the brush [i.e. withholding and exerting pressure]. When that is properly done, your writing will become expressive, and the lines and dots will reveal your disposition." Moreover, he also points out the importance of maintaining proper posture, keeping "the fingers and wrist as one, anchored by the arm." Here, Shen has re-written his famous essay for Chang Ch'ung-ho, a rare visual manifestation of his well-known theory.

Object number2010.9.2

ProvenanceCh'ung-ho Chang Frankel, New Haven, CT, to 2009

Photo CreditPhoto: Elizabeth Mann

Published ReferencesC.f., Shanghai Calligraphers Association, ed, Haipai daibiao shufajia xilie zuopin ji--Shen Yinmo (Shanghai: Shanghai Shuhua chubanshe, 2006)

Credit LineGift of Chang Ch'ung-ho and Hans Frankel from their collection

Dimensions125 x 9 1/2 in. (317.5 x 24.1 cm) sheet size: 37 1/2 x 6 in. (95.3 x 15.2 cm)

MediumCalligraphy: Ink on paper