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. Click

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 used 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 Writing 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 calligraphy. 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