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Down through the centuries calligraphy has, of course, served the wholly practical purpose of conveying messages in writing. But that is only part of the story. The fact is that many centuries ago, our ancient ancestors realized that in the hands of a master, a piece of calligraphy could reveal an abstract beauty in its lines. The finest examples have been admired just as much as the greatest paintings. Well, the true art of the calligrapher lies in the infinite variety of styles and forms he or she can conjure up through the control of various elements – the concentration of the ink, the thickness and absorption of the paper, and the flexibility of the brush.

(CCTV February 18, 2008)