Chinese symbol for CONFIDENCE in regular style

The Regular Style (often called standard style or simply kǎishū) is one of the last major calligraphic styles to develop, emerging between the Hàn dynasty and Three Kingdoms period, gaining dominance in the Southern and Northern Dynasties, and maturing in the Táng Dynasty. It emerged from a neatly written, early period semi-cursive form of clerical style. As the name suggests, the Regular Style is “regular”, with each of the strokes placed slowly and carefully, the brush lifted from the paper and all the strokes distinct from each other. The Regular Style is also the easiest to recognize and read, as it is the style in which most beginners learn to write East Asian styles.

The Regular Style is usually studied first to give students a feel for correct placement and balance, as well as to provide a proper base for the other, more flowing styles. It is one of the most popular calligraphy styles.