Chinese calligraphy - the art of classical painting of the Ancient East

2024 Author: Henry Conors | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-02-12 02:47

Chinese calligraphy is the art of depicting hieroglyphs, which allows not only to reflect the meaning of the text, but also to visually convey its mood. This type of writing is distinguished by a special aesthetic component, designed to show the harmony of spirit and movement on paper, capture the attention of the reader and even exert some emotional influence on him. In the East, calligraphy has always been given special importance, believing that such an activity can cultivate high moral qualities in a person and help him in spiritual development.

Similarities between painting and calligraphy

These art forms have long been called related because of the use of the same materials and method of writing. They mutually push each other in development, since the basis of Chinese fine art is the harmony of lines that reflect the feelings of the artist.

This skill is inseparable from the perfect mastery of the brush, which is the link betweenthem.

Teaching Han (Chinese painting, calligraphy)

You can study the intricacies of this fine art on your own, or with the help of certain schools, master classes or private teachers. In this case, it is worth relying on a certain technique: for example, when writing a hieroglyph, you should pronounce its meaning aloud and strictly adhere to the rules for tracing characters in order to preserve the original meaning of the text (an incorrect image of a sign changes its meaning).

Of course, it may not take a lifetime to fully comprehend the art of Chinese calligraphy, but it is worth touching it for the sake of developing aesthetic taste, visual memory and coordination of movements.

Rules for writing hieroglyphs

Chinese calligraphy adheres to five rules for depicting written characters:

• Draw the hieroglyph from top to bottom and from left to right.
• First, horizontal lines are displayed, then vertical lines, and only then - folding ones.
• Due to the direction of writing, the diagonal lines on the left are written first, followed by those on the right.
• First of all, the "skeleton" of the hieroglyph is applied, that is, the external features.
• Points outside the sign are drawn last.

This interpretation of the rules is extremely superficial, since there are a huge number of exceptions and additions. However, the short version has the right to exist. In any case, it will take a lot of time to learn this technique.

Styleswriting

Chinese calligraphy follows five main styles that have developed along with writing and have a solid history today. All characters created using this technique are drawn in accordance with them.

Zhuanshu is the oldest style. It appeared in the 8th century BC. e. and was recognized as official in the Qin kingdom. At the moment, not many Chinese can boast of the ability to read "seal characters" (one of the names of the style), but despite this, they are often used in calligraphy and for imprinting on personal seals.

Following is a lishu, which developed from the more vulgar spelling of zhuanshu in the 2nd century CE. e. It differs from the "seal hieroglyphs" by its angularity and the expansion of horizontal and diagonal lines towards the end. The archaic version of this style is difficult to read, so in modern inscriptions it is replaced by a later variation of the lishu. Caoshu and kaishu come from it.

Caoshu is otherwise called "grass style" and is handwritten in italics. Its specificity lies in the inseparable writing of hieroglyphs and frequent changes in features that can spoil the visual aesthetics of the text. Thus, although Chinese calligraphy includes this style, it has never been widely adopted.

Kaishu is the most simple and popular. The training of foreigners and children begins with it. It does not contain complex elements and each hieroglyph is written out very carefully, so this writing style is easy to read.to anyone with sufficient command of the language.

And the last, the newest of the spellings, is sinshu. Perhaps it is not the most aesthetic, since many of the features of the symbol merge with each other in it, but any educated native speaker can decipher it. Sometimes edomoji and kao elements are used in the art of Chinese calligraphy. The latter is most often found in the stylized signatures of higher officials.

Calligraphy tools

Beginners in this art, like masters, need tools specifically designed for it. Everything that is required for the image of hieroglyphs is sold in sets. Traditionally, the set includes Chinese calligraphy brushes, thick paper, ink or paint and a container for it.

Professional tools are more convenient to use, which undoubtedly affects the quality of work. For example, proper paper must be handcrafted from bamboo. This provides good absorbent properties, which is important when drawing with ink. Modern brushes are made from rabbit, goat and kolinsky wool, and inkwells are made from fine-grained stones. Choosing the right kit will give the beginner the right foundation in his endeavor and teach him how to handle tools, which will help him keep the "high bar" later on.