As the art of writingChinese characters,Chinese calligraphy, or shufa, is closely related to the latter in its formation and development, boasting as long a history as that of China itself. It is one of the highest forms of Chinese art, serving the purpose of conveying thoughts while also showcasing abstract beauty of lines.Calligraphyis one of the four basic skills and disciplines of the Chinese literati, together with painting (hua), stringedmusical instruments(qin) and board games (qi). However, rhythm, lines, and structure are more perfectly embodied in calligraphy than in the other three skills.
According to historical records, it was during about the later half of the 2nd and 4th centuries that Chinese calligraphy came into being in the real sense. However, this does not mean ignoring, weakening or denying the artistic value of previously existing calligraphic forms. Chinese calligraphy of each period in Chinese history had its particular forms and styles.
Jiaguwen (scripts on tortoise shells and animal bones), and pictographic characters (known as xiangxing zi in Chinese), though with differences in the number of strokes or the degrees of complexity in like characters, showed the laws of symmetry and balance. Besides, changes in the organization of lines and landing of strokes had taken on signs of calligraphy that was to come into existence. Therefore, the pre-Qin calligraphic art not only falls within the scope of Chinese calligraphy, but also represents a good example for later generations as a reference.
The course of Chinese civilization is one influenced by a periodical and linear process, and it is against such a background that Chinese calligraphy has been staging its development. During its burgeoning period, namely, from theShang Dynastyto theThree Kingdoms Period, Chinese characters evolved from Jiaguwen，Jinwen toKaishu（regular hand）andXingshu（running hand）. In the next period, namely from the Jin Dynasty to theTang Dynasty, the art entered a phase, withCaoshu(cursive hand),Xingshu(running hand) andKaishu(regular script) taking the place ofZhuanshu(sealscript) andLishu(official script) to become the mainstream. The appearance of Wang Xizhi, the greatest calligrapher of all time, was a phenomenon of that period, whose artistic achievements were highly appreciated even until the Tang Dynasty. Meanwhile, a great many calligraphers were rising at that time, such as Ouyang Xun, Yan Zhenqing, Liu Gongquan, each with different a style.
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