Chinese Writing and Calligraphy

✍ Scribed by Wendan Li

• Publisher: University of Hawaii Press
• Year: 2010
• Tongue: English
• Leaves: 280
• Category: Library

✦ Synopsis

Suitable for college and high school students and those learning on their own, this fully illustrated coursebook provides comprehensive instruction in the history and practical techniques of Chinese calligraphy. No previous knowledge of the language is required to follow the text or complete the lessons.

The work covers three major areas: 1) descriptions of Chinese characters and their components, including stroke types, layout patterns, and indications of sound and meaning; 2) basic brush techniques; and 3) the social, cultural, historical, and philosophical underpinnings of Chinese calligraphy—all of which are crucial to understanding and appreciating this art form.

Students practice brush writing as they progress from tracing to copying to free-hand writing. Model characters are marked to indicate meaning and stroke order, and well-known model phrases are shown in various script types, allowing students to practice different calligraphic styles. Beginners will find the author’s advice on how to avoid common pitfalls in writing brush strokes invaluable.

Chinese Writing and Calligraphy will be welcomed by both students and instructors in need of an accessible text on learning the fundamentals of the art of writing Chinese characters.

✦ Table of Contents

Contents
Preface
Chapter 1. Introduction
Chapter 2. Writing Instruments and Training Procedures
Chapter 3. Brush Techniques and Basic Strokes I
Chapter 4. Brush Techniques and Basic Strokes II
Chapter 5. Basic Strokes III and Stroke Order
Chapter 6. The Formation of Chinese Characters
Chapter 7. The Internal Structure of Characters and the Aesthetics of Writing
Chapter 8. The Development of Chinese Calligraphy I: The Seal Scripts
Chapter 9. The Development of Chinese Calligraphy II: The Clerical Script
Chapter 10. The Development of Chinese Calligraphy III: The Regular Script
Chapter 11. The Development of Chinese Calligraphy IV: The Running and Cursive Styles
Chapter 12. The Art of Composition
Chapter 13. The Yin and Yang of Chinese Calligraphy
Chapter 14. By Way of Conclusion: Chinese Calligraphy in the Modern Era
Appendix 1. Brush Writing Exercises
Appendix 2. Pinyin Pronunciation Guide
Notes
Glossary
References
Books in English for Further Study
Index
About the Author