Shandong man dedicate life to micro calligraphy

Xie Xiaopin, an 84-year-old master of micro calligraphy, diligently practices this ancient Chinese art form in his study in Juye county, East China's Shandong province.

Xie Xiaopin works on his calligraphy work. [Photo by Xiao Shouxiang for chinadaily.com.cn]

As an extremely delicate form of writing, micro calligraphy characters often measure less than 2 millimeters. Xie's work, characterized by its precise strokes, balanced layout and elegant style, showcases the unique artistic charm of Chinese calligraphy.

Originating in the Han Dynasty (206 BC – 220 AD), micro calligraphy was developed as a way to fit as many characters as possible into a limited space. However, over time this traditional art form has dwindled, with only a few practitioners remaining in the whole country.

Xie not only has a profound knowledge of calligraphy, but also a deep understanding of ancient literature, which he often uses as inspiration for his work.

To create his pieces, Xie uses a custom brushes made from the whiskers of mice, which provides the perfect delicacy needed for Micro Calligraphy. The right paper, Xuan paper, and properly-prepared ink are also crucial for achieving the desired effect.

Xie said that he will pass on this endangered art form to future generations so that it can be appreciated and preserved in the future. He has already inspired a group of young micro calligraphy enthusiasts. (Edited by Jin Yongxue)