Chinese Hieroglyphs in Kazan

One of Kazan’s most popular tea houses has opened its doors for those who strive for Chinese culture. Chen Xingxin, Oriental Studies Institute professor has conducted a master-class on calligraphy, during which everyone had an opportunity to try her hand in the art of intricate symbols using genuine Chinese brushes, Chinese ink and paper.

“Russians find it hard to imitate and combine the lines, that’s why at first we offer our students to copy the signs through tracing paper, such practice is a kind of Chinese training ABC for beginners,” – Chen Xingxin explained.

Upon completion of the first 15 symbols of the “ABC” pupils commenced fashioning their own hieroglyphs. The brushes of diligent adepts gave birth to “Tea”, “Love”, “Dragon”, “Aroma”, “Beauty” hieroglyphs.

According to Xingxin, calligraphy is an integral part of Chinese culture, it is closely related to painting, and even men of other genres of art (poetry, belles-lettres) are quite skillful in calligraphy. Xingxin started to learn this art from a prominent Chinese artist at the age of 3-4. Her grandfather noticed her early aptitude for calligraphy and introduced her to a good master of the craft.

It is very pacifying, — says Xingxin, — it is a perfect way to achieve harmony. So if I’m not in mood, I take up the brush and start painting. Those hungry for China’s spiritual essence have spent an entire hour sweating over the paper, brush in hand.

Chinese Hieroglyphs in Kazan