Calligraphy

In China the art of calligraphy, known as shu-fa, has never been interpreted as simply a means of giving tangible form to spoken words. The graphic patterns that make up written characters are seen as images of the human mind at work, striving to discern order in the phenomenal world an dto impose meaning on a chaotic flow of perceptions and feelings. In addition, the purpose, propriety, and decorum appropriate for particular writings necessitated the evolution of numerous script styles.

Watch I-Hsiung Ju, professor emeritus of art, Washington and Lee University, create the character for "going back" in five different styles. the side-by-side videos show Professor Ju's hand from above to demonstrate the motion of the brush as he writes and from below to reveal the characters in the process of formation. Each character is formed according to particular rules so while watching the videos, observe the order and number of the brushstrokes and points where the calligrapher lifts the tip of the brush off the paper. Also be aware of the thickness of the strokes and the relative freedom or rigidity with which they are applied. Finally, note that the characters are written both left to right and top to bottom.

Ancient

In this example, Professor Ju conflates several early styles of calligraphy. All of these ancient forms show great regularity and a preference for abstract linear forms.

Cursive

Originating in the second century, cursive script matured in the third and fourth centuries A.D. Begun as a shorthand form used for personal notes and letters, it has its own stroke order and abbreviated forms. It allows the calligrapher to take full advantage of the artistic qualities afforded by the freedom of brush and ink.

Standard

Maturing between the second and fourth centuries, standard script became the dominant formal script style in later periods and the model for printing type. It is distinguished by legible characters formed with a stable, clear construction.

Running

Essentially a freehand or daily writing style, running script combines the legibility of standard script with the informal freedom of cursive scripts. Unlike cursive script, however, running only condensed but did not eliminate strokes within characters.

Modern

In the mid-twentieth century, the Chinese government introduced the modern simplified form. Not a style of its own, it represents a simplification of the characters, reducing the number of strokes.