These earliest known examples of Chinese include inscriptions on animal bones and tortoise shells — records of divination and prayers to gods by people in the Shang Dynasty (c. 16th century-11th century BC) — which were burned so that predictions could be made by deciphering the cracks that were created.

Since the fourth century, calligraphy has been prized and collected as an elite form of visual art and from as early as the 10th century, it was also a key component of the imperial civil service examinations, and so honing one's writing ability was one way of paving a path to power and prestige.

In the 20th century, calligraphy remained central to Chinese art, expressing an enduring relationship with history. Now in the 21st century, it gives Chinese artists a distinctive voice in global art.

"The first time I dipped a brush into ink, I didn't like the strong smell," Kim says.