The Beauty Of Chinese Calligraphy

Chinese calligraphy is more than a form of writing or communication, as anybody who has ever seen it can state, it is also a beautiful work of art. To understand how it is a work of art, beyond it's visual expression, having knowledge of its beginnings and history is important.

With the unification of the Chinese people by the Qin Dynasty (221 BC - 206 BC) the Prime Minister Li Si actively promoted a unified form of writing based on inscriptions on bronze wares of previous states. This was the first example of calligraphy - known as 'seal character' (Zhuanshu). Calligraphers of seal character stressed a slender font created with even speed and strength, and even thick lines and strokes. And thus came the Chinese calligraphy.

With a history of four to five thousand years, Chinese calligraphy is still rich and profound in content - with this; it has attracted the attention of artists from all over the world. Chinese calligraphy is often likened to a pictographic, which is a representation of information. The characters were designed to not only follow the basic rules of visual beauty that includes symmetry, balance, and coordination but to also present a picture. Therefore, this ancient form of writing is not only a practical technique, but also considered a unique Oriental art of expression and a branch of learning or discipline as well. In this, the art of calligraphy is wide ranging and deep, forming an important part of Chinese culture.

Chinese calligraphy is also very much like a painting. The Chinese characters used in the calligraphy are said to communicate the spiritual world of the artist. In this way, this makes each set of letters unique to the individual who writes them, just as individual as a fingerprint would be unique to an individual. How one handles the brush, their presentation, and style - all contribute to the layout of the letters, the design, emotions and aesthetic feelings of the artist.

The primary tool in Chinese calligraphy is the writing brush. The brush is a unique cone and flexible writing tool made of animal hair (including sheep hair, wolf hair, rabbit hair, chicken hair, etc.) that Chinese ancestors developed over thousands of years. There is a tradition in both China and Japan of making these brushes using the hair of a newborn. This practice is associated with the legend of an ancient Chinese scholar who scored first in the Imperial examinations by using such a personalized brush.

But the brush isn't as critical as the way one uses the brush through the rules of Chinese calligraphy and the special way it must be moved or pushed. And with this, one has to study form.

Secondly, there is the ink. The ink used in calligraphy is made from lampblack (soot) and binders, and comes in inksticks, which must be rubbed with water on an inkstone until the right consistency is achieved. Learning to rub the ink is an essential part of calligraphy study. Traditionally, East Asian calligraphy is written only in black ink, but modern calligraphers sometimes use other colors. Calligraphy teachers use a bright orange or red ink with which they write practice characters for students and correct students' work. To prepare the ink, a stone or ceramic inkstone is used to rub the solid inkstick into liquid ink and to contain the ink once it is liquid. Chinese inkstones are highly prized as art objects.

By controlling the concentration of ink, the thickness and adsorptiveness of the paper, and the flexibility of the brush, the artist is free to produce an infinite variety of styles and forms. In contrast to western calligraphy, diffusing ink blots and dry brush strokes are viewed as a natural impromptu expression rather than a fault. While western calligraphy artists often pursue font-like uniformity, homogeneity of characters in one size is only a craft - this isn't so with Chinese calligraphy. When practicing Chinese calligraphy, there are rules and focus that is important, but equally is the expression of ones self.

Chinese calligraphy is also often referred to as 'line art'. It is compared to music as well. The Chinese say, just as there is playing technique with an instrument such as the violin, which requires the rubbing of a bowstring in just the right manner to create beautiful sounds - so there is with calligraphy. When moving the writing brush on paper and designing your strokes, the result is a beautiful art and sound.

Why do westerners love Chinese calligraphy? Many say it helps them try and understand the Oriental culture and its history as well as participate in one of the most ancient and most condensed of abstract arts. Others just love the way it looks and feels. Whatever it is, Chinese calligraphy is here to stay as it has already for so many thousands of years.

Article Source: http://casinoarticles.us

Western culture has been captivated by ancient chinese art for centuries. Chinese art and gifts have always been collectible and valuable. Chinese Giftware.com is proud to bring you beautiful Chinese gifts at an affordable price. Visit online today.

Please Rate this Article

5 out of 54 out of 53 out of 52 out of 51 out of 5 

Not yet Rated