Chinese Calligraphy

by Chen Tingyou, Ren Lingjuan (Translator)

Chinese Caligraphy: Written by Chen Tingyou a member of the Chinese Calligrapher's association has completed this definitive work introducing the origin, forms and developments of Chinese Calligraphy. Chinese calligraphy is the quintessence of Chinese culture. When the ancient Orientals carved the earliest abstract symbols on the walls of their cave houses, and on animal bones and tortoise shells, their symbolic action marked the beginning of the Chinese written language and civilization. At the same time it indicated the beginning of the splendor of Chinese calligraphy. This is a beautifully soft bound book with inner flaps. It is filled with beautiful color and black and white photos. There are 18 chapters dealing with various strains of calligraphy such as "the beauty of strokes", "conveying the emotions of the author", Oracle bone inscriptions and inscriptions on ancient bronze objects," "two master of the Tang dynasty", and more. This is a China Cultural series and is published by the China Intercontinental Press. This will make a besutiful addition to your library.

Genres: China, Art, Reference

Paperback

Published January 1, 2004

Reviews

[Neolou]

Some of the most beautiful findings that stuck with me after reading this book:
◇ How the start of a horizontal stroke in the official hand resembled a silkworm's head and the end resembled a wild goose tail.
◇ How an ink stone made of jade never froze the ink – even in the coldest weather.
◇ How some craftsmen created calligraphy brushes made of a baby's and a rabbit's hair.
◇ Wu Zetian, only empress in Chinese history, and her beautiful Tablet to Prince Shengxian.
◇ Wei Shuo Madam Wei!
◇ Zheng Banqiao who painted orchids as thought he was writing characters, and wrote characters as though he was painting orchids.

[Galatea · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a brief introduction to the art of calligraphy, its history, different types of it, and its nuances as an art form, this book functions splendidly.

Almost every artist and work mentioned is shown, which helps in seeing the work for yourself, but admittedly as someone who isn't /fluent/ in Chinese, I had trouble reading most of the more loose scripts, especially cursive and "running" script.

Calligraphy is almost like the shadow of the artist's speech. The ink changes in depth, darkness, and fluidity, and these are all interpretational tools to help read the work and to add meaning to it

[James · Rating 4 out of 5]

In addition to the basics, it covers the evolution of the various calligraphy schools. The one downside, no Chinese text.

[Ann Gry · Rating 5 out of 5]

A brief love letter to calligraphy by a passionate and knowing person. I adored the book, illustrations and style of presentation of the art. It’s a thing of beauty on its own!