Twisting the tube, or turning the tube, is one of the calligraphy techniques. In layman's terms, when writing calligraphy, the brush tube should be rotated clockwise or counterclockwise according to actual needs.
The method of twisting pipes has been around since ancient times. The article "Twelve Chapters on Calligraphy" written by Wang Xizhi, the sage of calligraphy, mentioned that "twisting at the top and twisting at the end, all the order and rhyme..." "Twist" means twisting. This word shows that Wang Xizhi is not opposed to twisting the tube. . Yan Zhenqing of the Tang Dynasty stated in "Twelve Meanings of Zhang Changshi's Writing Method" which described Zhang Xu's writing methods: The beauty lies in writing, making it round and smooth, and not making it tense. These 12 words explain the function of the twist tube. Huang Tingjian, a calligrapher in the Northern Song Dynasty, believed: "If the heart can turn the wrist and the hand can turn the pen, the calligraphy will be as desired." Bao Shichen, a calligraphy theorist of the Qing Dynasty, highly praised the method of twisting the tube in "Yizhou Shuangji" and believed that the pen If you can follow the ring, you can enter the pavilion.
The twist tube has two functions and purposes. One is to keep the pen tip smooth and ensure smooth writing. This function is not the main purpose of twisting the tube. There is little controversy over the use of twist tubes for this purpose. What is controversial is the second function, which is to adjust the pen tip to run at the center of the stroke at any time through the twist tube, which is often called center stroke.
The debate between twisting the tube and moving the wrist has been going on for a long time in the calligraphy world. There are many advocates and opponents of each side. Guan twisting and wrist movement are not mutually exclusive or antagonistic. It is certain that tube twisting is one of the brushwork techniques, but it cannot be used as the main brushwork technique. It is okay to use it occasionally.
For those who are good at adjusting the front with their wrists and elbows, there is no need to use a twist tube to adjust the front. The wrist and elbow have more space and freedom to move, and it is three-dimensional, so the front adjustment effect is better! The reasons for this will be discussed in detail by Beijing Yantian Academy in the next issue of "Fighting from All Sides".