What tools do beginners need to learn calligraphy?
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1. Core Writing Tools
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Writing brush
- Preferred type : mixed brush (wolf + goat hair), moderately soft and hard, easy to control the tip of the brush;
- Specifications : tip 3-4cm (medium-sized regular script pen);
- Maintenance tips : New pens need to be sharpened with warm water, and should be cleaned and hung to dry immediately after use.
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Ink
- For practice : bottled ink, good value for money;
- Advanced option : Traditional ink stick grinding, suitable for those who have higher requirements for ink color levels.
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Paper
- Beginner's practice : semi-cooked rough-edged paper + grid paper (rough surface for writing, moderate ink absorption);
- Advanced pen control : semi-raw and cooked rice paper (to prevent the ink from bleeding out of control);
- Tips for avoiding pitfalls : Do not use newspaper (ink will slip on the pen) and pure rice paper (ink will spread too quickly).
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Inkstone
- Simplified solution : Use a household shallow dish or disposable cup instead, no need to buy a special inkstone;
- Professional needs : Optional ceramic ink disc (diameter 5-8cm, depth 2cm) to control the amount of ink.
2. Auxiliary tools
| tool | Features and recommendations |
| Felt | To prevent ink stains from penetrating the desktop, gray pure cotton felt (2mm thickness, size 45x65cm) is recommended |
| Paperweight | Copper or stone paperweight (200-500g) to flatten the paper and improve writing stability. Beginners can use heavy books instead. |
| Pencil holder | Ordinary containers (such as glass bottles) can be used to clean brushes |
| Calligraphy | Regular script is preferred: copy "Duobao Pagoda Stele" and "Jiucheng Palace Liquan Inscription" with nine-square grid paper; for running script, the simplified version of "Lanting Preface" can be selected |
| Pencil holder | Optional but useful, ceramic or wooden pen rest to prevent ink stains on the roller pen |
3. Notes on purchase
- Advanced tools are prohibited : beginners do not need to purchase brushes or old rice paper that cost more than 100 yuan, and basic practice needs are prioritized;
- Paper misunderstanding : Avoid excessive pursuit of "sandalwood content", mechanical rough edge paper can already meet the requirements of pen control training;
- Tool maintenance : The brush must be cleaned thoroughly after use to prevent residual ink from hardening and damaging the tip of the brush.
Summarize
Newbie tool combination suggestions:
- Essential set : brush + ink (500ml) + semi-cooked rough paper + felt;
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Optional upgrades : copper paperweight (for enhanced stability), calligraphy APP (for assisting in calligraphy practice).
The focus in the initial learning stage is to familiarize yourself with the interaction between the pen and paper and ink . The choice of tools should prioritize practicality and avoid overconsumption.