Calligraphy and Seal Carving

Author: Fu Guoai
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2002-09-01
Features: Calligraphy and seal carving are one of the unique arts of China. As an important part of the fine cultural heritage of the Chinese nation, the essence of Eastern artistic aesthetics it embodies constitutes the soul of Chinese artistic aesthetics. Regarding the definition of "calligraphy," there is still no complete consensus in academia to this day. A common explanation is that calligraphy is a line-constructing art that uses Chinese characters as its subject and the brush as its tool. It is abstract and lyrical, making it clear that Chinese characters and the brush are two important factors in the uniqueness of Chinese calligraphy, with Chinese characters being particularly crucial. What differs calligraphy from seal carving is the use of the knife instead of the brush as the tool, and Chinese characters remain an important aesthetic subject. The 21st Century Art Textbooks for Higher Art Colleges embody the spirit of the new era, reflecting the dedication of numerous experts, scholars, and core teaching staff from art education and design disciplines across various institutions. It represents outstanding teaching and research achievements in the field of modern art education. With the joint efforts of Anhui Fine Arts Publishing House, this series of textbooks has finally been launched. It not only fills the gap in current art textbooks for higher education institutions but also holds profound significance for promoting modern art education.
The entire series of textbooks has been compiled in accordance with the newly issued requirements for art education textbooks in higher education institutions by the Ministry of Education, addressing the practical needs of teaching while adhering to three fundamental principles:
1. Emphasizing foundational education. The richness and complexity of art (sculpture) demand strict requirements for foundational knowledge and skills, necessitating scientific and systematic learning and training. Students must not only master the basic methods and techniques of art but also grasp essential visual form principles.
2. Focusing on artistic literacy. Whether in art education or design, the students we cultivate should possess solid foundational knowledge, as well as strong artistic literacy, keen visual awareness, and refined aesthetic tastes.
3. Guiding innovation and exploration. To encourage students to move from lower-level to higher-level thinking, transitioning from the realm of necessity to the realm of freedom.
This series of textbooks not only emphasizes professional foundational education but also integrates modern teaching concepts, particularly focusing on guiding "visual thinking methods." It will enable students to approach future explorations more actively, playing a vital role in inspiring innovation.
Inheritance and innovation are eternal themes in artistic exploration and education. In this sense, this series of textbooks must continuously absorb new research and teaching achievements to strive for greater perfection. We believe, with strong support from educational administrative departments and the collective efforts of experts, scholars, and core teaching staff at higher education institutions, The 21st Century Art Textbooks for Higher Art Colleges will keep pace with the times and continue to mature.