200 Complimentary Calligraphy Distributed In Conjunction With Chinese New Year

GUA MUSANG, Feb 7 (Bernama) -- Six experienced Chinese calligraphers and artists were brought to Gua Musang from Kota Bharu especially to draw auspicious words and good wishes for the Dragon Year.

Gua Musang Buddhist Association chairman Cheong Oi Fun, 61, said the calligraphy, which was written on 200 red paper or hongzhi, was then distributed free of charge to the Chinese community in Kampung Baru, Bandar Lama here, to further enliven the Chinese New Year, which willl be celebrated on Feb 10 and 11.

"With this initiative, we also want to reduce the cost of procuring the festival needs. 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 today.

  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, they invited calligraphers writers from Kota Bharu to convey the phrases and wishes written on the red papers, which symbolise liveliness and bring happiness and wealth.

Calligrapher Lee Her Shin, 32, from the Chinese Painting Association in Kota Bharu, said he was satisfied that he was able to create his work even though it was made for free.

 "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 today.

  "Although I do not charge a fee, I have not 'lost' anything because I can take the pressure off the work and am happy when visitors are willing to wait and see me paint live. My efforts are much appreciated by them," he said.

Seventeen-year-old Phuah Siew Yien from Sekolah Menengah Tengku Indera Petra , one of the more than 30 youths who participated in the prayer calligraphy distribution, said beautiful and neat writing, such as this decoration, is seen by guests visiting during the Chinese New Year.

  "The prayer calligraphy that is distributed today is hard to find here. Everyone knows how to write and paint with a brush, but not many can achieve beautiful results.

"The art emphasises the authenticity and richness of Chinese writing," he said.

  -- BERNAMA