How to Write Calligraphy Couplets

Author: Li Jingzhong
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2003-09-01
Features: In the eyes of ordinary people, the formats and inscriptions of calligraphy couplet works are relatively monotonous and lack the depth of poetry calligraphy works. However, when I finished drafting the manuscript of How to Create Calligraphy Couplets, I truly understood the thoughtful effort of the planners of the Cloud Ladder Series of large-scale book collections. Calligraphy couplets and couplet literature emerged together and depend on each other; the formats of calligraphy couplet works are diverse and have a long history. The content and style of this volume are roughly divided into several parts: the definition of thematic couplets (including basic knowledge), appreciation of exemplary couplets, tips for creation, and a collection of famous couplets. Each topic varies in content composition and application scope, with varying levels of elaboration; the appreciation section also differs in the richness of classical anecdotes, obscure terms, and special structures, with explanations ranging from detailed to concise; the collection of famous couplets aims to provide readers with more references and research materials. The volumes do not strictly enforce uniformity in style, and even common elements should have unique characteristics. There is no forced conformity—only what should be included is included, and what should be left out is left out. For example, Modern and Ancient Couplets with Humor not only appreciates the clever and humorous aspects of couplet art but also demonstrates to readers that folk couplets have great freedom, differing significantly from the well-structured, rhythmically precise, and rigidly formal couplets composed by scholars. These folk couplets may range from "broad couplets" and "perfect couplets" to mere "antithetical phrases" in language, so they are all included. This is discussed in the preface, aiming to broaden readers' perspectives and let them know that the world of couplets also contains some "inappropriate issues."
Another example is How to Create Calligraphy Couplets. This topic is very important because calligraphy is the most closely linked cultural phenomenon to couplets. In daily cultural life, "couplet calligraphy" (also known as "calligraphy couplets," or elegantly termed "lianmo") encounters many problems. The main issues include "understanding couplets but not being able to write them, being able to write but not understanding couplets; recognizing characters but not distinguishing styles, writing couplets but not understanding inscriptions; not being able to name the formats, and writing the top and bottom lines upside down," often leading to humorous mistakes. Such misalignments in literary matters are not uncommon even among "esteemed masters," who often find themselves in awkward situations. The book provides detailed explanations on the concept of "lianmo," calligraphy scripts, various applied couplets, the suitability of formats for book works, and the layout of lines and inscriptions when combining calligraphy with couplets. It is richly illustrated, authoritative, and exemplary. The selected exemplary works of "lianmo" are mostly treasures from renowned masters of past generations, showcasing the author's profound knowledge. It can be said with certainty that each volume embodies decades of the author's academic insights and research achievements. Although the tens of thousands of words may not seem impressive, the abundant content and incisive explanations are truly beneficial to readers.