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South China Morning Post

Discovering calligraphy: from China to Cartier, how a traditional form of writing is experiencing a resurgence thanks to online platforms, influencers and a new generation of enthusiasts

Calligraphy is having a moment in the spotlight – and you can thank the internet for it. Over the past few years social media feeds have been dominated by influencers showing off their latest brushstroke techniques on Reels, while online courses have brought traditional forms of decorative writing to a new audience looking to express themselves creatively. 'I was initially attracted to calligraphy because it looked so beautiful. I ended up learning everything online and am completely self-taught,' says Samantha Cheung, a mural artist and calligrapher whose clients include luxury brands like Piaget and Cartier 'For me, calligraphy is not like cursive writing. It's slow and focused, making it much harder to master. It's an art,' she says. Advertisement Samantha Cheung is a self-taught calligrapher based in Hong Kong. Photo: Handout Calligraphy – which literally translates as 'beautiful writing' in Greek – has deep roots in Asia, where it is revered as an art form in countries like China, Japan and Korea. Due to its cultural significance, Chinese calligraphy has thrived and dominated in the region for centuries, but now its Western counterpart is catching up, thanks to interest from a new generation of letter lovers. 'Western and Chinese calligraphy are very similar – in terms of techniques there's a flow and rhythm in the strokes and how you frame the words. Both are also very meditative,' says calligrapher Kalo Chu. Samantha Cheung, whose calligraphy clients include Piaget and Cartier, also paints murals. Photo: Handout Chu grew up watching her father paint Chinese calligraphy, which inspired her initial interest in penmanship. As a wedding invitation designer, she struggled to find a calligraphy teacher in Hong Kong, and eventually had to learn on her own through books and other resources. This experience inspired her to open a studio called Kalo Make Art in 2015, offering the local community lessons in Western-style calligraphy. Hong Kong-based Kalo Chu was inspired to take up calligraphy from watching her father, a Chinese calligrapher, at work. Photo: Handout 'Many people still value the art of handmade creations instead of AI and computers. Writing for young people has great benefits – it improves motor skills and spelling. I worry this art will die, which is why I want to teach as much as I can,' she says. Former fashion events executive Kaye Shu also dabbled with lettering from a young age. After mastering her penmanship classes at Maryknoll College, she picked up calligraphy while studying at university in Boston. Upon her return to Hong Kong, she continued to learn by correspondence with a calligrapher in the United Kingdom while also working full time.