Auspicious strokes: Artist Weoh Eng Chew, 66, signing off one of his calligraphy art pieces in Kampung Baru, Guar Musang. — Bernama
GUA MUSANG: Six experienced Chinese calligraphers and artists were brought to Gua Musang from Kota Baru to inscribe auspicious words and good wishes for the Year of the Dragon.
Gua Musang Buddhist Association chairman Cheong Oi Fun, 61, said the calligraphy, which was written on 200 sheets of red paper or hongzhi, was then distributed free of charge to the Chinese community in Kampung Baru, Bandar Lama here, to further enliven Chinese New Year, which will be celebrated on Saturday and Sunday.
“Normally, the door and wall decorations are sold for RM50 to RM100, depending on the type of hongzhi used,” he said when met by reporters at Kampung Baru yesterday, reported Bernama.
He also said the art is hard to find today because of the lack of talented calligraphy writers in the Chinese community in the area.
Therefore, calligraphers were invited from Kota Baru to convey the phrases and wishes written on the red paper, which symbolises liveliness and brings happiness and wealth.
Calligrapher Lee Her Shin, 32, from the Chinese Painting Association in Kota Baru, said he was satisfied at being able to produce the art.
“I work as a graphic designer and sit in front of the computer almost all the time to do my work, so I really enjoyed mingling and chatting with the locals here.
“Although I do not charge a fee, I have not ‘lost’ anything because I can take the pressure off work and am happy when visitors are willing to wait and see me paint live. My efforts are much appreciated by them,” he said.
Phuah Siew Yien, 17, from SM Tengku Indera Petra, was among 30 young people who distributed the calligraphy.
“The prayer calligraphy that is distributed is hard to get here. Everyone knows how to write and paint with a brush, but not many can produce beautiful results.
“The art emphasises the authenticity and richness of Chinese writing,” said Siew Yien.
