The Simple Art of Chinese Calligraphy.

The Simple Art of Chinese Calligraphy. Qu Lei Lei. New York, NY: Watson-Guptill Publications (800-451-1741), 2002. Illus., hardcover. 128 pp., $24.95.

The 500-year-old practice of Chinese calligraphy is presented here as a complete, step-by-step guide for creating the most important symbols of Chinese folklore--Luck, Love, Happiness, and Long Life. The author/artist has practiced calligraphy and painting in both China and London for more than forty years. He introduces this ancient writing process with information on the so-called four treasures--the brush, ink, stone, and paper. Material preparation, brush holding, and other basic techniques are introduced, followed by instruction on creating fifteen projects that include greeting cards, wall hangings, stone carving and even T-shirt design. An interesting section on a Chinese paper-cutting process is also included. A concluding section provides examples of how many common English male and female names can be translated into Chinese calligraphy. There is also a segment in which poems, proverbs, and phrases are presented in both Arabic and Chinese form. This is a handsomely designed publication that addresses many aspects of calligraphy not included in other books on the subject.