Information on Chinese Calligraphy

Chinese calligraphy is a distinct form of art expressed through the visual presentation of writing. A highly respected Oriental art that spread from China to other East Asian cultures, Chinese calligraphy involves the use of specific materials and precise techniques to depict Chinese script. It is regarded as a discipline of learning that requires intense study and practice.

Facts

Chinese calligraphy is intended to convey the moral integrity, emotions and spiritual world of the artist through the beauty and appeal of abstract lines of Chinese script. Regarded as the highest form of Chinese art (with a history comparable to the nation's itself), it is also a strict branch of learning in Chinese culture. As a discipline, it is believed to perfectly embody rhythm, lines, and structure. Basic calligraphy instruction is part of the regular school curriculum in China, as one of the four basic skills of the Chinese literati.

History

The exact origins of Chinese calligraphy are unknown, although historical evidence traces its practice, in its infancy, back to approximately 4500 years ago shortly after the development of the Chinese language. The evolution of calligraphic styles and techniques is often correlated with Chinese historical eras, distinguished by the ruling dynasties. Primitive Chinese script developed in characters (free of spelling or grammar) that represent different ideas and expressions. These characters were the focal point of calligraphy art, and have survived modern times.

Geography

While the art of calligraphy originated in China and remains an integral part of Chinese culture today, its practice spread to other East Asian cultures influenced by the Chinese, such as Japan, Korea and Singapore. Japanese culture has since developed its own variation of calligraphy. The calligraphic forms and styles of vary across East Asia, but the basic principles of the art form commonly adhere to its Chinese roots, particularly by use of Chinese script. Chinese calligraphy is also widely accepted in the West.

Features

The art of turning square Chinese characters into expressive images involves the use of four materials, known as the Four Treasures of Study: the inkstick, the inkstone, the inkbrush, and the rice paper. The inkstick is densely packed ash, glue and ink (commonly made by burning pine wood). The inkstone is used to grind the solid inkstick into ink and then contain the liquid. Affecting the ink's quality and texture, the inkstone is a highly valued art object in Chinese calligraphy. Traditionally, the ink is black and can take gray form by adding water. The handle of the inkbrush is often made of bamboo or sandalwood, and its tip of animal hair or feathers.

Technique

Calligraphy requires dedicated practice within a strict framework. The sequence and weight of strokes, as well as the balance and rhythm of characters are essential to Chinese calligraphy. Brush-handling techniques must be learned with exactitude, and the proper execution of lines on paper takes years of practice. The beginner will practice the eight basic strokes of the character yong (永) ("The Eight Principles of Yong") until perfection is achieved. It is believed that only then will ensure beauty in one's writing of all characters.

Resources

• Techniques, materials, and an illustrated history of Chinese calligraphy by Dynasty era
• For information on art and calligraphy in Chinese culture
• Visual examples of Chinese calligraphy throughout history