Chinese painting is different in concept from Western art. Although lifelike, it is an expression of mood
rather than representational of the subject and it has its roots in calligraphy, which in China is also
done with a brush. Chinese painting cannot be done successfully with western brushes since it requires
strokes which they cannot produce. The grinding of the Chinese inkstick to produce varying shades of
black/grey is an essential part of the artistic process. The time taken to grind the stick is used to
develop the mood necessary for the painting and to plan the strokes of the brush. This process is
relaxing and is found to be therapeutic by increasing numbers of western artists.
Basic Chinese brush painting requires 'The Four Treasures' - brush (fude), inkstone (suzuri), inkstick
(sumi)and paper (kami). You also need two water pots, a rag, a small china mixing saucer and small paper
weights.
Your brush needs to be of wolf hair preferably, set with glue into hollow bamboo. Your inkstick will
be made from the soot of pine or tung-oil trees. Inkstones are usually of slate. Your paper will be
thin and absorbent 'rice' paper, but not the edible kind. You do not need an easel as Chinese painting
is done on a level surface. You will then need a book on techniques.
We supply all these and many more authentic Chinese products, including coloured inks, watercolours
and accessories.
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