Overview

As long as he can remember, Xian has wanted to be a great calligrapher, like his father. When he turns six, he's finally old enough to start studying. Calligraphy is more than writing--it's painting--and Xian learns how much work and creativity go into what look like effortless strokes. Based on stories still told about Xian and his father, famous calligraphers of the 4th century, Eighteen Vats of Water is about determination, creativity, and learning how to see, as well as the importance of family traditions.

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9781954354067

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Reviews

An elegantly crafted, inspiring tale about the fine art of dedication. --Booklist -- (4/15/2022 12:00:00 AM)

This masterful picture book by award-winning author Jiang (Red Scarf Girl, 1997) is based on the history of renowned and revered fourth-century Chinese calligraphers. At the age of six, Xian begins studying the art form under the tutelage of his famous father, Wang Xizhi. Bored with the repetitive exercises required, the child sometimes drops his brush for other pursuits and yearns for a shortcut. His father sagely shares a personal story of turning 18 vats of water completely black with ink during years of patient practice: 'No one can become a great artist without working hard.' With renewed commitment, Xian returns to his artistic journey and moves beyond imitation to develop his own signature style. Hsieh's graceful, atmospheric ink-and-digital illustrations encourage close observation. The poetic, expressive text is complemented by imaginative scenes of brushstrokes turning into dancing swans and floating clouds. Author and illustrator notes share additional background information as well as personal reflections. An elegantly crafted, inspiring tale about the fine art of dedication.--Booklist -- Journal (4/15/2022 12:00:00 AM)

"""An elegantly crafted, inspiring tale about the fine art of dedication.""--Booklist -- (4/15/2022 12:00:00 AM)"

Author Information

Ji-li Jiang is the award-winning author of Red Scarf Girl. Raised in Shanghai, she came to Hawaii as a university student and has lived in the United States ever since. Nadia Hsieh uses art to tell stories. Her previous book, Eighteen Vats of Water, told a traditional slice of Chinese history. In Picnic Planet, she literally takes us out of this world.

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