The fourth of the 6 primary strokes is a stroke that slants downward toward the left, called 撇 (piě) in Chinese.
We have seen that to form the 3 strokes with the right arm, the arm begins in the natural position of hanging alongside the body, and then the arm shifts 0, 1, and then 2 joints of the arms. The right arm joints will shift less regularly.
To form this stroke, 1 shift in arm position is required. From the initial position of the left arm hanging vertically alongside the body, rotate the shoulder joint upward and outward 45o toward the left, such that the arm is between horizontal and vertical. The upper arm, the lower arm, and the hand extend along a single straight line. The wrist retains the same position as before, such that the hand extends in line with the arm, diagonally downward toward the left. The fingers of the hand are open and flat, in line with the arm.
In the drawing of this stroke, Rule 1 and Rule 2 both apply, since this stroke is drawn both horizontally and vertically. When both rules apply, one has precedence, because it sometimes occurs that it is not possible to honor both rules. In this case, Rule 1 has precedence: This stroke is primarily drawn from top to bottom. This causes Rule 2 to be violated, since the stroke is not drawn from left to right. Since one of the rules is violated, this stroke is represented by the left hand.
Notice that the emphasis is on the top of the stroke. In other words, there is greater pressure on the brush at the top of the stroke.
There is a shortened variation of this stroke. The elbow can be bent, rotating the forearm forward, upward, inward, and rightward, such that it is no longer visible.
The following character means eternal, and uses most of the primary strokes. There are 2 piě strokes in this character, the top stroke on the right side, moving downward toward the midline, and the bottom stroke on the left side. moving downward away from the midline.
