Calligraphy is an art dating back to the earliest day of history, and widely
practiced throughout China to this day. Although it uses Chinese words as its
vehicle of expression, one does not have to know Chinese to appreciate its
beauty. Because in essence, Calligraphy is an abstract art. While viewing a
Western abstract painting, one does not ask, "What is it?" When viewing Chinese
calligraphy, one need not ask, "What is the Chinese word?"
In this page,
we selected single words from the works of many master calligraphers from the
past to illustrate the astounding beauty of the art. Like all art, it is best to
simply look at them for enjoyment. Do not be sidetracked with questions of
theory, technique, etc. Do not worry about "What is it?"
Beside each
work, a very short comment is given to describe its "style", based on the
classical book of Tu Meng.
Tu Meng of the Tang dynasty (618-905)
developed 120 expressions to describe different styles of calligraphy and
establish criteria for them. The first 15 from his list, with explanations and
English interpretations by Chiang Yee:
ability, mysterious, careful, carefree, balance
unrestrained, mature, virile, grace, sober, well-knit, prolix, rich,
exuberant, classic For a flavor of these different styles, look at the
calligraphy of single words, as written by the past masters. The idea here is
not to learn how to write with a brush, or what the words are, but just to look
at them as an abstract art.
A single word
written in different styles
A gracefully executed
work has no peer.
Full panel-(100k)
By
Si-Ma Kuang, Song Dynasty (1019-1086)
Bold yet fluid -
Full panel. From
Ode of Mulan by [Mi Fei] [Mei Fei] (aka Mi Fu)
Formal
Full panel
By [Yan
Zhenqing] [Yen Chen-Ching]
Balance
Full panel
By [Wu
Ju]{Wu Chu]
Geometric
Full panel
By Zhang Ruitu
(1570-1641)
playful
By Li Juan (b. 1713)
A carefree style has no
fixed directions
By [Wang Xizhi] [Wang Hsi-Chih]. The character is
Sui (to follow), in cursive style.
The movement of the strokes suggests
speed, by a dancing rather than a racing speed.
A gracefully executed
work
An exuberant work full of feeling and vigor. Full panel
By [Wang
Xizhi][Wang Hsi-Chih]
Lighting quick
Full panel
By
[Dong Qichang] [Tung Chi-Chang]
A virile work
in which strength is paramount.
The character is "mountain".
By [Zhang Zhengyu][Chang Cheng-yu] (1903-1976)
IF you are
interested in it,you can :0086-0531-89181456
blackpottery@163.com
