cun fa

In Chinese painting, cun fa refers to brushstrokes or dabs used to create texture and surface on pictorial elements. Unlike Western art, which often uses light and shade for modeling, Chinese painters outline forms and then apply texture strokes to define character and convey a tactile or visual impression.1

Various cun types have been codified over time, with specific strokes for natural elements like trees, rocks, and mountains. Different artists are known for inventing or specializing in certain texture methods, allowing their personality and expressive intent to be conveyed through their chosen cun fa.1