The Significance of Chinese Calligraphy in Chinese Culture
Chinese calligraphy (brush calligraphy) has long been considered a cornerstone of Chinese culture. It has been consistently practiced as a major aesthetic expression since the 5th century BC.
Regarded as the most abstract and sublime form of art in Chinese culture, Chinese calligraphy is often thought to be most revealing of one’s personality. During the imperial era, calligraphy was used as an important criterion for selection of civil officials to the imperial court. Unlike other visual art techniques, all calligraphy strokes are permanent and incorrigible, demanding careful planning structure of words.
The Artistic Techniques of Chinese Calligraphy
By controlling the concentration of ink, the thickness and adsorptivity of the paper, and the flexibility of the brush, the artist is free to produce an infinite variety of styles and forms. To the artist, calligraphy is a mental exercise that coordinates the mind and the body to choose the best styling in expressing the content of the passage.
The Current Popularity of Chinese Calligraphy
Chinese calligraphy is presently enjoying immense popularity in China. It is practiced by an ever-increasing number of artists, both amateur and professional, who are expanding the traditional art form in new and creative ways.
A Renowned Calligrapher: Qi Gong
Qi Gong (1912—2005) is a prestigious calligrapher, painter connoisseur and writer of contemporary China. He started to learn calligraphy at the age of six. The way he used the Chinese brush, the skillful and clear strokes applied in a graceful manner and the way he arranged the Chinese characters showed his unique style, and is appreciated as “Qi Gong Style”. Hence it is not surprise that he is praised as the No.1 calligrapher of modern China.
