1.6 Stroke sequence

 A common set of rules are followed for most stroke sequences, corresponding in many cases to that used in Chinese and Japanese calligraphy. By following its stroke sequence an ideocalligraph arrives with least effort.

The initial stroke serves firstly as an indicator of the space to be filled and then as the reference point for subsequent strokes. These will be influenced by the direction of the end point of the previous stroke and the overall balance to be achieved. The hand will aquire the rhythm in each sequence with practice. Increasing ideocalligraphic fluency allows meaning to be carried with less effort and is easier to read.

Every ideocalligrapher has his own style. He may use his own subtle differences in spacing between strokes but the overall balance is maintained within the ideocalligraph. And it is his responses to the meaning flow which can bring his ideocalligraphy alive.

Sometimes, when composite ideographs approach each other, they show a tendency to partially merge their stroke sequences. The result could come about spontaneously or require experimental practice on the side. This merging can lead to enhanced organic cohesion which influences the meaning in ways the reader carries over with him to the ideocalligraphs which follow.