Chinese calligraphy

陈洁薇卫婧王俊苏晏红鸿

• The word "calligraphy" is derived from a Greek word meaning beautiful writing.

• It has been appreciated as an art form in many different cultures throughout the world, but the stature of calligraphy in Chinese culture is unmatched.

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• Chinese calligraphy which serves as a tool of information communication by way of writing materials infuses our mode of thinking .

• Chinese calligraphy is a art practice which manifests Chinese people specific tinking style,personality , temperament( 性情） and inclination （癖好） .

The features of Chinese Calligraphy

Chinese philosophical thought

（哲学思想） : • “Yin and Yang Five Elements” （阴阳五

行）• “Heaven and Man” （天人合一）• “The Doctrine of Mean” （中庸中合）

The unique sense of time and space

• Blend mode of thinking and physical movement.

• An activity of self-cultivation.

• An effective way to enjoy healthy life and longevity.

History of Chinese Calligraphy

• Origin:

• Calligraphy came with invention of the characters .

• Gia Gu Wen, indeed, is a major style of Chinese calligraphy.

• Wei & Jin Dynastie:

• Calligraphy achieved the best in the history

at this time.

Chinese calligraphy theories published during this period .

Wang Hsi-Chih’s Lan Ting Prologue

• Wei Heng's ( 衛 恆 )

• Calligraphy Postures of Four Styles ( 四 體 書 勢 )

• Madame Wei's ( 衛 夫 人 )

• Map of Strokes Disposition( 筆 陣 圖 )

• Wang Hsi-Chih’s ( 王 羲 之 )

• Discussion on Calligraphy ( 書 論 )

Basics of Chinese Calligraphy

The Four Treasures

• The four treasures of a Chinese calligrapher's (or scholar's) studio are paper, brush, stone. ink stick, and ink

Paper

• Paper is one of the most famous Chinese inventions.

• Chinese practice calligraphy on Xuan Paper  that is used uniquely for calligraphy and painting.

Brushes

• painted pottery, bamboo slips, and silks are all writing materials for brush.

• softness and unrestrained freedom

• look more vivid, spirited, and rich in different styles.

Ink stick / Ink stone• The ink stick is the unique pigment use

d for Chinese brush painting and calligraphy.

• The raw materials of ink stick are pine, oil, lacquer （漆） , and etc.

• A good ink stick can produce beautiful shades of ink density on a good and smooth ink stone.

 

Others:

• Water dropper / antique ink stone, jade paperweights

brush hanger

Styles of Chinese Calligraphy

篆書 Zuan Style (Seal Style)

• The unification of Zuan Shu was in the Chin Dynasty

• Solid and stable （结实稳定）• Small Seal Style (Tablet Shiao Zuan 小

篆 )

• Great Seal Style (Da Zuan 大 篆 )

Yi Shan ( 繹 山 ) by Lee Si Lan Ye Tai ( 琅 琊 臺 ) & Tai San ( 泰 山 ) Tablets 

隸書 :Li Style(Clerical Style)

• germinated in the pre-Chin period ( 先秦時代 ).

• simplified the complicated strokes of Zuan Shu.

• used a bend （弯） instead of making a roundabout turn

Chin Li on bamboo rolls

草書 Tsao Style(Running Style)

• It was developed almost at the same time with Li Shu

• the most simplified

• abstract and difficult

• "the Two Wangs" ( 二 王 )

行書 Hsin Style(Walking Style)

• A style in between Tsao and Kai Styles

• established in the Han Dynasty

• write fast ， freely expressed

• Hsin Tsao Shu ( 行 草 書 )

• Hsin Kai Shu ( 行 楷 書 ).

Zhong Yao’s work in Hsin Kai Shu

楷書 Kai Style(Standard Style)

• Initiated （创始） toward the end of the Han Dynasty. （ by 王次仲）

• symmetrical strokes （笔划整齐对称）

• A reference standard for modern Chinese characters handwriting, also develop another handwriting —— pen writing.

• Marks the final shape of Chinese characters.

Madame Wei’s small-scale Kai Shu

Influence of Chinese Calligraphy

Calligraphy played an important role in Chinese people’s daily life • Writing letters • official documents • literary works • national celebrations and offer sacrifices• weddings and funerals

• associations and societies

• professional calligraphy

• special calligraphy class

The spread of Chinese Calligraphy

• In ancient time: where there are Chinese people, there are Chinese calligraphy.

In our modern time: art ,architecture and design

Calligraphy Special issue in Showa period of Japanese

Protection of Chinese Calligraphy Culture

Government’s efforts

• Chinese Calligraphers Association

（中国书法家协会）• National Art Center for the Study and W

riting calligraphy

（国家级书法艺术研究与创作中心）• some colleges and

universities have established professional calligraphy.

means of propaganda （宣传） and popularization （普及） of cal

ligraphy.• Professional newspapers and magazines

• Television and online media

• Calligraphy’s foreign exchange activities

Chinese Calligraphy is a part of China.

Chinese Calligraphy is also among the world.

Thank you!

陈洁薇卫婧王俊苏晏红鸿