Reflecting on the Wonderful Chinese Art of Calligraphy

The art of calligraphy has a fascinating and long history in a number of countries around the world, but nowhere is it more revered and deeply connected to the culture than in China. While most people recognize Chinese calligraphy as strongly associated with beautiful traditional works of art, understanding Chinese calligraphy as a whole requires looking at it both traditionally, through the context of its development, and also through the different applications for it today.

A Glimpse into the History of Chinese Calligraphy

Chinese calligraphy has been around for more than two thousand years, and it is strongly linked to a unique style of writing known as Chinese characters. Initially, written language in the form of hieroglyphics and symbols were used in picture form to represent objects and ideas, and even though the characters were intended to be recognizable symbols, they were not actual words.
Damian Patkowski @ Unsplash

However, over time the characters began to take on a life of their own and became more recognizable, until eventually, they were developed into a type of pictorial writing called Chinese script. This form of writing, which has been in use for over five thousand years, relies on strokes and pencil-made characters instead of letters; it is the basis for the modern-day Chinese writing system.

The establishment of calligraphy as an art form likely occurred during the Han Dynasty (206 B.C. – A.D. 220). During this time period, Chinese calligraphy started to become more stylized; in fact, the calligraphy process had become seen as not only an artistic expression but a reflection of the soul.

In the subsequent dynasties, more characters were established and scripts were given a structure. Calligraphy was valued highly by prominent members of society and was used to sculpt stone tablets and valuable objects. As major works of calligraphy became influential and commanded attention, their striking visuals made them cherished artworks.

Understanding the Different Styles of Chinese Calligraphy

Chinese calligraphy adopts various written styles which are named after different dynasties; each style has an individual character, unique brush strokes, and specialized approaches to writing. Consequently, there is an entire range of distinctive looks that can be adopted when completing a work of Chinese calligraphy. Below are some of the primary styles of Chinese calligraphy:

• Oracle Bone Script – This ancient style is the most primitive form of Chinese calligraphy, typically found in the form of pictographs and symbols. It is the earliest known form of writing and formed the basis of later scripts.

• Seal Script – This script began to emerge in the Spring and Autumn Period (770-476 B.C.) and is characterized by clear, systematic and sharply independent strokes. Seal Script is regarded as quite difficult to perfect, having a strict standard of writing, and was mainly used in named seals.

• Clerical Script – Clerical Script initially developed from Seal Script and emerged in the Warring States Period (476 - 221 B.C.) with a more curved writing style. Considered by many to be the most beautiful of all the writing styles, Clerical Script is found in more art-oriented works.

• Regular Script – This style, which blossomed in the Han Dynasty, is known for its simplicity, clear structure, and strong, condensed strokes. As cursive scripts gradually gained a stronger influence, Regular Script still serves as the basis for many forms of modern calligraphy.

• Cursive Script – Developed from Regular Script and blossoming in the Jin Dynasty (A.D. 265 – 420), Cursive Script is known for its flowing, continuous movement and its emphasis on cursive and creative writing. Often seen as the most symbolic and emotionally-charged of all the scripts, Cursive Script allows for aesthetic freedom in the use of brush strokes.

In addition to the major styles of Chinese calligraphy, there are also some other notable styles, such as Kaishu (Standard script) which was developed in the Tang Dynasty, Xingshu (Running Script) which came into being during the Song Dynasty, and Grass Script which was established in the Ming Dynasty.
Thorn Yang @ Unsplash

Illuminating Indispensable Chinese Calligraphy Today

As China has advanced and developed over the centuries, so has its calligraphy. While the principles remain mostly the same, new methods of representation and written styles have appeared, and technology has enabled calligraphy to be made in more diverse materials and objects that range from books to coins and jewelry.

In addition to being looked to as an artistic expression, calligraphy serves as a practical tool for everyday life in China. It is widely taught in schools, where students learn to write and appreciate its form. Calligraphy is also widely used in public spaces, such as in signage and advertising across Chinese-speaking countries – especially in Hong Kong and Taiwan.

Overall, the importance of Chinese calligraphy lies at the intersection of art and culture, representing beauty and tradition, self-expression and practical use, and simplicity mixed with complexity. Those who practice and appreciate the unique art of Chinese calligraphy are constantly learning and developing new perspectives on the history, influence, and applications of this beautiful style.