What is Chinese calligraphy?
By Fei Gao on Nov 29, 2023
Chinese calligraphy is the art of writing Chinese characters, and it is also the representative of East Asian calligraphy. Chinese calligraphy originated in the oracle bone script era and has developed into a unique artistic style over thousands of years. Chinese calligraphy uses Chinese characters as a carrier, brushes as tools, and lines as a form of expression to create artistic works with aesthetic value through the combination of points, lines, and planes.
The basic elements of Chinese calligraphy include brushwork, structure, composition, and ink. Brushwork is the foundation of calligraphy, which refers to the various methods used when writing with a brush. Structure refers to the way Chinese characters are combined, including the structure of the characters, the structure of the rows and columns, and the structure of the chapters. Composition refers to the overall layout of the work, including the relationship between characters, the relationship between rows, and the overall structure of the chapter. Ink refers to the use of the variation of ink to express artistic effects.
Chinese calligraphy is divided into five scripts: seal script, clerical script, regular script, running script, and cursive script. Seal script is the earliest script of Chinese characters, and its characteristics are round and smooth strokes, and the structure is rigorous and uniform. Clerical script is a variant of seal script, and its characteristics are square and powerful strokes, and the structure is flat and slender. Regular script is the standard form of calligraphy, and its characteristics are square and dignified strokes, and the structure is rigorous and orderly. Running script is a type of script between regular script and cursive script, and its characteristics are smooth and natural strokes, and the structure is flexible and elegant. Cursive script is the highest realm of calligraphy, and its characteristics are flying and fluent strokes, and the structure is free and unrestrained.
Chinese calligraphy is not only an art form, but also a cultural symbol. It carries the long history and culture of China and is a cultural treasure of the Chinese nation. Chinese calligraphy still has an important place in modern society. It is not only the object of people's learning and appreciation, but also the carrier of people's expression of emotions and thoughts.
The influence of Chinese calligraphy abroad
Chinese calligraphy has a profound influence abroad and is widely concerned and loved by people all over the world. Many Western countries have Chinese calligraphy research institutions and hold various Chinese calligraphy exhibitions and competitions. Chinese calligraphy has also been introduced into the Western art education system and become an important art course.
The influence of Chinese calligraphy abroad is mainly reflected in the following aspects:
- Art influence. Chinese calligraphy is favored by Western artists for its unique artistic style. Many Western artists learn Chinese calligraphy and incorporate Chinese calligraphy elements into their own artworks.
- Cultural influence. Chinese calligraphy carries the long history and culture of China and is a cultural treasure of the Chinese nation. The spread of Chinese calligraphy abroad helps Westerners understand Chinese culture.
- Educational influence. Chinese calligraphy has been introduced into the Western art education system and become an important art course. This helps to cultivate the interest and understanding of Chinese culture among young Westerners.
With the continuous spread of Chinese culture, the influence of Chinese calligraphy abroad will become greater and greater.
