Chinese calligraphy is the art of representing hieroglyphs, which allows not only to reflect the meaning of the text, but also visually convey its mood. This type of writing is distinguished by a special aesthetic component, designed to show on paper the harmony of spirit and movement, capture the attention of the reader and even exert some emotional influence on him. In the East, calligraphy has always attached particular importance, believing that such an activity can nurture high moral qualities in a person and help him in spiritual development.
The similarity of painting and calligraphy
These types of art 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 perfect mastery of the brush, which is the connecting link between them.
Han training (Chinese painting, calligraphy)
You can study the intricacies of this fine art on your own, or by resorting to the help of certain schools, master classes or private teachers. In this case, it is worthwhile to rely on a certain technique: for example, when writing a hieroglyph, you should pronounce its meaning aloud and strictly adhere to the rules for writing characters in order to preserve the original meaning of the text (incorrect image of the sign changes its meaning).
Of course, to fully understand the art of Chinese calligraphy, a lifetime may not be enough, but you should touch it for the development of aesthetic taste, visual memory and coordination of movements.
Rules for writing hieroglyphs
Chinese calligraphy adheres to five rules for the depiction of written characters:
- Draw a hieroglyph from top to bottom and from left to right.
- First, horizontal lines are drawn, then vertical ones, and only then - folding.
- Due to the direction of the letter, the first to write out the diagonal lines on the left, and after them - on the right.
- First of all, the "frame" of the hieroglyph, that is, external features, is applied.
- The points outside the sign are drawn last.
Such an interpretation of the rules is extremely superficial, since there are a huge number of exceptions and additions. However, a short version has the right to exist. In any case, it will take a lot of time to learn this technique.
Writing styles
Chinese calligraphy obeys five basic styles that have developed along with writing and have a solid history today. All hieroglyphs created using this technique are displayed in accordance with them.
The oldest of the styles is Zhuanshu. He appeared in the VIII century BC. e. and was recognized as official in the kingdom of Qin. At the moment, not many Chinese can boast the ability to read "print hieroglyphs" (one of the names of the style), but, despite this, they are often used in calligraphy and for printing on personal prints.
What follows is a lichen, developed from a more vulgar spelling of Zhuanshu in the 2nd century AD. e. From the "hieroglyphs of the press" it is distinguished by the angularity and 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 late variation of lichen. From it come Tsaoshu and Kaisu.
Tsaoshu is otherwise referred to as the “grass style” and is handwritten in italics. Its specificity consists in the inseparable writing of hieroglyphs and the frequent change of features that can spoil the visual aesthetics of the text. Thus, although Chinese calligraphy includes this style, it has never been widely used.
Kaisu is the most simple and popular. From it begins the training of foreigners and children. It does not contain complex elements and each character is written very carefully, therefore this writing style is accessible for reading to everyone who knows the language sufficiently.
And the last, the newest of the spellings, is Sinshu. Perhaps it is not the most aesthetic, since many features of the symbol in it merge with each other, but any educated native speaker can decipher it. Sometimes the art of Chinese calligraphy uses elements of edomoji and kao. The latter is most often found in stylized signatures of higher ranks.
