Chinese calligraphy is known in China as the art of handwriting with a brush, or the study of the rules and techniques of this art. This art is unique to China and certain countries influenced by ancient Chinese culture.

Calligraphy in Chinese consists of two characters: "书" (shū), which means writing, and "法" (fǎ), which means method or art. Therefore, "书法" can be translated as "the art of writing" or "writing techniques." This definition reflects that calligraphy is not simply the act of writing, but rather a combination of art and precise techniques that require skill and creativity.

Before the invention of the printing press about 500 years ago, handwriting was the only way to make books. Each copy was handwritten by copyists at the printing press using a quill and ink on materials such as parchment or paper. Various writing styles were used during this period, such as quill, Carolingian, blackletter, and others.