To battle this dark hopelessness, I started Chinese calligraphy and taichi lessons to calm down and maintain some social contact.

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Chinese calligraphy has always been more than simply a tool for communication, incorporating as it does the element of artistry for which the practice is still valued in an age of ballpoint pens and computers.

UNESCO: Culture

First, "A Discerning Eye: The Aoyama San'u Collection, " works of ancient Chinese painting and calligraphy from Aoyama's private holdings.

WSJ: The Vision and Calligraphy of Aoyama San'u | Tokyo National Museum | Transformational Characters | By Michael Judge

In its distinctive Chinese form, calligraphy offers an important channel for the appreciation of traditional culture and for arts education.

UNESCO: Culture

The Hong Kong auction, which will feature ink paintings, calligraphy and classical Chinese furniture, marks the first time a Chinese auction house will compete with Sotheby's and Christie's on their home turf.

CNN: The Chinese threat to Sotheby's and Christie's

The wide diversity of patterns reflects a variety of influences, ranging from Arabic calligraphy, European bouquets and Chinese phoenixes to Japanese cherry blossoms and Indian or Persian peacocks.

UNESCO: Culture