Learn calligraphy: semi-cursive script - rules of writing - rule #1

To read more on other rules of writing in semi-cursive script (行書), please see the the full list.

This rule is identical with the rule #1 of writing in cursive script (草書), which says that certain strokes can be merged in one brush stroke. Naturally, semi-cursive script is not as laconic in form as cursive script, so even though similar rules apply to both scripts, the appearance of the same Chinese character will differ (in most cases).

The diagram (above) shows the character 重 (heavy) written in semi-cursive script. This character counts 9 brush strokes in standard script (楷書). Semi-cursive script form of this Chinese character can be written in multiple ways, but the one shown in the picture has several strokes merged in one continuous brush stroke. Notice, that the 2nd, 3rd and 4th strokes are combine, and then 6th, 8th, 9th and 7th, as the last one, are also merged in one unbroken line. This form of semi-cursive script of the kanji 重 follows yet another rule of writing which will be discussed in a separate article. The stroke order of writing this character is altered, and the 7th stroke (vertical line) is written as the last one (watch below video to see how it is executed).

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semi-cursive script rules

rule #2