The Taiwan Calligraphy Association is promoting opportunities for people to experience Chinese calligraphy before the Lunar New Year. The association has a table set up outside in the Da’an district of Taipei, where children and adults can practice writing and painting with brushes and markers. They also provide quality red paper and offer handwritten scrolls, couplets and other decorative inscriptions produced by Taiwan’s calligraphic masters for sale.
Calligraphy, or the writing of characters with brush and ink, is a genteel art that has been widely practiced by elites and amateurs since ancient times. Closely intertwined with poetry, painting, language, literature and architecture, the expressive script is valued as an emblem of erudition and respected for nurturing character, patience and perseverance. Despite these virtues, there is limited opportunity in Taiwan to study calligraphy and most students spend little time learning to write with brushes.
Yet, calligraphy remains important to society and the individual, even and especially in this age of social media and artificial intelligence. The Taiwan Calligraphy Association therefore seeks to transmit this heritage across the community and through the generations. Members run special classes and contests, including for youth, and organize other offerings to cultivate people’s interest throughout the year. For the Spring Festival, calligraphers of all ages and regardless of skill are welcome to drop by Renai Road Section 4 Lane 151 from 11 am until 5 pm on Sunday, January 26th to practice in an inviting space.