Jul 7, 2008

Sidewalk Calligraphy Beijing

In the parks of Beijing you’ll often come across people practicing and displaying their calligraphy skills. Instead of ink and paper the paved ground is used as a canvas and water instead of ink. Some calligraphists paint in solitude while others command a small audience of assembled passer-bys.

This woman in Behai Park carefully drew in each square a separate charter using a large brush she dipped in a bucket of water. She moved up each row and started over when her brush strokes evaporated. I would love to know what she wrote. Was she simply practicing different characters or writing a verse from her favorite poem?

5 comments:

Phivos Nicolaides said...

Interesting indeed.

Lakshmi said...

ive seen some pavement art in mumbai..but this is very interesting

GMG said...

Hi Wendy! I always find it amazing to «see» Chinese caligraphy; a shame I can't read... ;) The lady is probably preparing 08-08-2008, a great day if you believe in the Chinese eights!
This month promises to be even more hectic than the already chaotic previous ones! Anyhow, a blog break is absolutely needed to balance the atmosphere, and here I am!
Thanks for your comment on Blogtrotter, where I’ve now posted my 401st post (on Ann Arbor, Michigan)! Have a great week!
Gil

Prêt à Voyager said...

Wow. So cool!

Anne

Wendy said...

Philip, Lakshmi, Gil and Anne,
Glad you enjoyed the post. As always thanks for stopping by.