The Difference Between Center-Tip and Side-Tip Techniques: How Brush Angle Transforms the Character of Your Writing

The core of the brush speaks of stillness and movement—true life in calligraphy lies in brush technique.

The Essence of Calligraphy Lies in the Line—and the Line Lives in the Brush Technique

Calligraphy is more than the beauty of written characters. It is the trace of both mental and physical movement. At the heart of that expression are two primary brush techniques: Center-Tip (中鋒) and Side-Tip (側筆).

Even a single stroke—such as the horizontal line in 「一」 or the complex structure of 「永」—changes drastically depending on the angle of the brush. The line’s energy and spirit shift completely.

What Is Center-Tip? — A Fundamental Technique That Anchors the Line

Center-Tip (中鋒) is the technique of guiding the brush with its central axis (the core of the bristles) aligned with the movement of the stroke. The brush is held upright, with the axis nearly perpendicular to the paper.

Characteristics:

• Lines are strong, straight, and stable
• Ink is absorbed evenly with minimal bleeding or roughness
• The overall impression is one of formality, precision, and integrity

Ideal for script styles such as:

• Square Style (楷書)
• Seal Style (篆書)
• Clerical Style (隷書)

What Is Side-Tip? — A Technique That Channels Energy Through Movement

Side-Tip (側筆) involves tilting the brush and using the side of the bristles for dynamic strokes. The angle of the brush affects ink flow and pressure, giving rise to expressive lines with rhythm and fluctuation.

Characteristics:

• Rich variation in line expression, allowing emotional and soft nuances
• Creates visible textures like dry brushing and ink gradation
• Breathes a sense of spontaneity and rhythm into the strokes

Ideal for script styles such as:

• Running Style (行書)
• Cursive Style (草書)
• Kana calligraphy (仮名書)

Classical Examples of Center-Tip and Side-Tip in Action

Wang Xizhi’s Lanting Xu — A Masterful Balance of Structure and Flow

Wang Xizhi’s Lanting Xu is hailed as the greatest masterpiece in Chinese calligraphy. It’s an exquisite example of blending Center-Tip and Side-Tip techniques.

• The core structure is built using Center-Tip strokes
• For dynamic parts, like changes in stroke speed or emotional emphasis, Side-Tip brings energy and rhythm
• Characters like 「之」「道」「流」 clearly showcase flowing movement characteristic of Running Style
• The contrast between Center-Tip and Side-Tip creates a yin-yang balance of stillness and motion

Kūkai’s Fūboku-jō — The Pinnacle of Side-Tip Expression

Kūkai’s Fūboku-jō, a landmark in Japanese calligraphy, demonstrates the full expressive power of Side-Tip brushwork.

• The brush sweeps diagonally, producing blurred edges and emotional roughness
• Light dry starts and soft exits—hallmarks of Side-Tip—add warmth and breath
• It’s believed Kūkai matched the flow of the brush with the spiritual rhythm of esoteric Buddhism, infusing each character with inner “Qi” and breath

In Calligraphy Theory: Center-Tip, Side-Tip, and the Spirit of “Qi Yun Sheng Dong”

What Is “Qi Yun Sheng Dong” (気韻生動)?

“Qi Yun Sheng Dong” refers to a state in East Asian art—especially in painting and calligraphy—where an inner spiritual rhythm (Qi) naturally flows through the brushwork, bringing it vividly to life. The ability to alternate between Center-Tip and Side-Tip is key to achieving this vibrant, spiritual quality in the lines.

運筆之妙、貴在気機通貫

――The wonder of brush movement lies in the uninterrupted flow of Qi.

From Sun Guoting’s Treatise on Calligraphy (書譜)

This statement captures the essence perfectly:
Center-Tip expresses a firm, focused Qi,
Side-Tip brings a subtle, flowing Qi.
By navigating between the two, the writing comes alive.

Practice and Application: Instill Your Brush with Structure and Spirit

Center-Tip Practice (Using the “Eight Principles of 永”)

• Hold the brush upright
• Write each stroke carefully, maintaining balance and symmetry
• Focus on pushing, pulling, and halting with precision

Side-Tip Practice (Through Running and Cursive Style exercises)

• Slightly tilt the brush, letting it glide naturally through connected strokes
• Embrace ink variation, and feel the change in speed and pressure
• Let the breathing of your body guide the rhythm

Conclusion: The Angle of the Brush Reflects the Angle of the Heart

When the brush stands upright, it reveals “structure” and “bone.”
When the brush tilts, it brings out “emotion” and “flesh.”

The distinction between Center-Tip and Side-Tip is not merely technical—it’s the very breath of calligraphy.
To truly write with life, one must first stand the brush upright to build the bone,
Then, tilt it to allow the spirit to flow freely.

Only then can one enter the true world of expressive, living calligraphy.