The Correct Way to Hold a Chinese Brush
The proper way to hold a Chinese bamboo brush is to start by placing the thumb on one side and the index finger and middle finger on the other side. For painting calligraphy the brush should always be in an upright position, perpendicular to the flat surface one will write on. To keep the brush in this straight up stance, keep the arm parallel to the working surface and the wrist bent upwards at about 45 degrees. When the brush is in the right position carefully place the ring finger and little finger on the side of the brush opposite the index and middle finger - on the same side as, and below the thumb. The little finger should be slightly behind the ring finger - giving it an extra push. This position of the fingers on the brush helps equalize the force of the push and pull of the brush in both a forward and backward movement. This is in keeping with a balanced dynamic of yin and yang also seen in the movements of other Chinese disciplines such as Tai ji quan.
Even before putting the brush to ink, it is important to know how the body moves with the brush in hand. First pivot the brush by pushing with the middle finger and pulling with the thumb. The brush should do a little pirouette among the fingers. This movement is important for maintaining a point on the brush when picking up ink and for making very long continuous brush strokes. In succession, the fingers, wrist, elbow, shoulder or waist moves depending upon the size of the calligraphy or brush strokes made. When writing tiny marks, only the fingers are used. Larger marks require moving from the wrist, elbow or shoulder. When writing very large characters or making very large brush paintings, calligraphers often keep their fingers, wrist, elbow and shoulder locked and move only from the waist. This, of course, requires painting or writing from a standing position.
Even before putting the brush to ink, it is important to know how the body moves with the brush in hand. First pivot the brush by pushing with the middle finger and pulling with the thumb. The brush should do a little pirouette among the fingers. This movement is important for maintaining a point on the brush when picking up ink and for making very long continuous brush strokes. In succession, the fingers, wrist, elbow, shoulder or waist moves depending upon the size of the calligraphy or brush strokes made. When writing tiny marks, only the fingers are used. Larger marks require moving from the wrist, elbow or shoulder. When writing very large characters or making very large brush paintings, calligraphers often keep their fingers, wrist, elbow and shoulder locked and move only from the waist. This, of course, requires painting or writing from a standing position.