Chinese CalligraphyA Microcosm of Culture,
An Art Form par excellence
San-pao Li, Ph.D.Department of Asian and Asian American Studies
California State University, Long Beach
January 24-March 6, 2004
Studio Channel Islands Art Center
Camarillo, California
2
IntroductionIntroduction• Chinese calligraphy is widely recognized as a
bona fide “fine art”
• Chinese calligraphy is perhaps the most culturally-rich form of direct artistic expression
• More than fair or elegant writing or penmanship
• Serves more than a linguistic purpose
• It is a highly sophisticated form of art
4
Sample CalligraphySample Calligraphy
Yu Yue (Qing)Yu Yue (Qing)
fragrance
fragrance
antiquity/pastantiquity/past
5
IntroductionIntroduction
• It adds an absorbing, visual element to the beauty of thought
• It is a national taste, a common aesthetic instinct nourished from childhood
• Used to express felicitations or condolences• An immediate expression of the character and
sensibility of the artist• Was the passport to successful official career
6
IntroductionIntroduction• It is a serious form of self-discipline --
an arduous process• Requires mental preparation --
quietude and serenity• Requires mastery of literature• Rigorous moral cultivation and fortitude• “If the mind is upright, the brush strokes
will be right.”
7
The Three Forms of The Three Forms of Fine ArtFine Art in Chinese Traditionin Chinese Tradition
Poetry Calligraphy
Painting vs.
Painting, Sculpture, and Architecture
8
Qualities of Qualities of Fine CalligraphyFine Calligraphy
•The “strength of bone”
•Organic unity•Rhythmic vitality
9
Qualities of Qualities of Fine CalligraphyFine Calligraphy
•The “strength of bone”– the Yin and the Yang– opening and closing– void and solidity– front and back– rising and falling
14
Qualities of Qualities of Fine CalligraphyFine Calligraphy
•Organic Unity–Reflects the dynamism, grandeur, and limitlessness of the art of Chinese calligraphy
19
Qualities of Qualities of Fine CalligraphyFine Calligraphy
•Rhythmic Vitality– is of supreme significance–an abundance of very fine masterpieces that exemplify this essential quality
24
Chinese CalligraphyChinese Calligraphyas a “Fine Art”as a “Fine Art”
• A spatial art form• Linear arrangement and composition• Structurally dynamic• Most effective and direct medium of
self-expression• Uninhibited individual creativity• Supreme form of visual art
25
Chinese Calligraphy is a MostChinese Calligraphy is a MostCulturally-Rich Art FormCulturally-Rich Art Form• It is history
• It is philosophy
• It is poetry
• It is literature
• It reveals the deepest emotions
• It reflects the social mores
• It manifests the ethos and values
• It captures the spirit of the time
26
Appreciation of ItsAppreciation of ItsPhilosophical ProfundityPhilosophical Profundity
• It fascinates• It stimulates• It motivates• It inspires• It enlightens• It develops depth of
character in learner
27
Roaming Leisurely in the Roaming Leisurely in the Garden of PoetryGarden of Poetry
• “Wintry River in Snow” (Jiang Xue)• “The Deer Park Hermitage” (Lu Zhai)• “Farewell to Ling Che” (Song Ling Che)• “The Maple Bridge” (Feng Qiao Ye Bo)• etc.
28
The Notion of AestheticsThe Notion of Aesthetics
The Platonic notion of the beautiful is hardly distinguishable from the good.
In the Chinese consciousness, the good must demonstrate order and harmony.
Harmonized state of contradictions, according to A. H. Muller (1779-1829), represents the highest good.
Harmony is both an intrinsic quality of art and the sine qua non of real freedom.
29
The Notion of AestheticsThe Notion of Aesthetics
Coincidentia Oppositorum Reconciliation of the
Opposites
31
Styles of Chinese CalligraphyStyles of Chinese CalligraphyA Sense of HistoryA Sense of History
• The oracle bone style (jiaguwen)• The bronze and stone drum inscriptions
(zhongdingwen, shiguwen, dazhuan)• The seal style (xiaozhuan)• The clerical style (lishu-Hanli, Weibei)• The running style (xingshu)• The cursive style (caoshu)• The modern styles (kaishu, shoujinti,
tiexianzhuan, bafenshu, kuangcao, etc.)
46
Sample CalligraphySample Calligraphy
Wu Ju (Song)
Wu Ju (Song)
Your old residence was
west of the North Bridge;
Your old residence was
west of the North Bridge;
The willow branches touch the clear water of the brook by
the bridge,
The willow branches touch the clear water of the brook by
the bridge,
When I come to revisit, it
appears to be beautifully and enigmatically
quaint,
When I come to revisit, it
appears to be beautifully and enigmatically
quaint,
The sun is warm, flowers sweet, and the mountain birds
are singing incessantly.
The sun is warm, flowers sweet, and the mountain birds
are singing incessantly.
55
Prerequisites Prerequisites of a Serious Studentof a Serious Student
• Be conversant in the classics
• Be familiar with China’s rich poetic tradition
• Appropriate mental preparation and discipline
• Mastery of various calligraphic skills
56
The Approach to The Approach to Fine CalligraphyFine Calligraphy
• Copy by tracing• Copy in a free manner• Imitation• Develop spontaneously one’s
own style, independent from all models.
57
The Approach to The Approach to Fine CalligraphyFine Calligraphy
Proficiency is attainable only to those who undergo
rigid, rigorous, tedious, and long training, including
self discipline and moral cultivation.
The Practice of The Practice of Chinese CalligraphyChinese Calligraphy
Is a rigorous form of self-discipline and a
delightful and fulfilling experience!
59
Chinese CalligraphyChinese Calligraphy
• More than any other visual art, can reveal the Chinese mind and represent its aesthetic ideal
• The sublime and exquisite artistry displayed in Chinese calligraphy compels one to study and experience
60
Take Advantage of Take Advantage of the Latest Computer Technologiesthe Latest Computer Technologies
• Search the internet for relevant information and vast number of fine calligraphic specimen
• Use software (such as CyberChinese, Dabbler) to practice handwriting
• Fully exploit the availability of various fonts for copying and practice tailored for learner’s interest
• Explore multimedia capabilities for poem recitation and individualized instruction
61
Semester-end ExhibitionSemester-end Exhibition
• It provides a powerful incentive• It sets immediate goals for class• It cultivates a sense of dignity and pride• It offers an opportunity for competition
and emulation• It impresses learner’s family and
acquaintances• It affords an excuse for class celebration• It creates an unforgetable educational
experience
62
Most Paramount of All…Most Paramount of All…
To display one’s internal motive
rather than adherence to an external
predetermined form