Choosing A Style of Chinese Calligraphy
There are five major styles of Chinese calligraphy – Seal (Zuan), Clerical (Li), Running (Tsao), Walking (Hsin), and Standard (Kai) styles. Each major style has many variations or derived sub-styles throughout the Chinese history. Choosing our first style or model of Chinese calligraphy will greatly influence our progress and future accomplishment.
Usually a beginner starts by learning Kai Shu or Li Shu. Kai Shu is unanimously agreed as the foundation of all Chinese calligraphy styles, though it came lastly during the entire evolution of Chinese characters. Clerical Style is generally easier to learn and looks very elegant.
Samples of Li Shu
Samples of Kai Shu