Treasures of Clerical Script from Various Dynasties in China

Author: Tianjin Fine Arts Publishing House
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2002-09-01
Features: The Treasures of Chinese Calligraphy Through the Ages collects the works of the most representative calligraphers from various periods. From ancient to modern times, calligraphy from every era and style is included. From emperors and generals to officials and scholars, and from commoners to ordinary people, the essence of Chinese calligraphy history is fully presented in this book. The Treasures of Chinese Calligraphy Through the Ages is independently compiled into a book according to the script of the calligrapher's works, including Seal Script, Regular Script, Running Script, and Cursive Script. The "Preface" of each book not only summarizes the entire process of Chinese calligraphy history but also provides a detailed introduction and evaluation of the origin, development, characteristics, and influence of each script, as well as the major calligraphers and works. Each piece is accompanied by expert commentary, which introduces and critiques the style, school, and influence on later generations, allowing readers to accurately understand the essence and spirit of the works. Seal Script is the first script that simplified the ancient Seal Script, making it more concise and practical. It is commonly found in bamboo slips and silk books from the Qin and Han dynasties, as well as stone inscriptions from the Wei and Jin periods. Seal Script is solemn, profound, and ancient, embodying the Confucian principles of moderation and harmony—indeed, "without being overly stimulating or restrained, its style naturally extends far."
What is The Treasures of Chinese Calligraphy Through the Ages? Chinese calligraphy is the soul of aesthetics. In the history of Chinese calligraphy, there have been countless masters, brilliant as stars, leaving behind a vast ocean of masterpieces in various scripts and styles. These treasures are either stored in museums and libraries, passed down among the people, or inscribed on famous rivers, ancient temples, and remote rural areas. Tianjin Fine Arts Publishing House organized dozens of experts and scholars over a decade to visit museums, libraries, and the countryside, covering domestic and international locations, to collect, organize, authenticate, select, photograph, and scientifically classify calligraphic works in circulation. Based on the different scripts of the selected works, they compiled The Treasures of Chinese Running Script Through the Ages, The Treasures of Chinese Regular Script Through the Ages, The Treasures of Chinese Cursive Script Through the Ages, and The Treasures of Chinese Seal Script Through the Ages, four masterpieces of calligraphy. Thus, each script of Chinese calligraphy has been compiled into its own volume. The four large-scale calligraphy books combine into a breathtaking calligraphy series.
The Main Content and Structure of The Treasures of Chinese Calligraphy Through the Ages
The Treasures of Chinese Calligraphy Through the Ages collects the works of the most representative calligraphers from various periods. From ancient to modern times, calligraphy from every era and style is included. From emperors and generals to officials and scholars, and from commoners to ordinary people, the essence of Chinese calligraphy history is fully presented in this book. The Treasures of Chinese Calligraphy Through the Ages is independently compiled into a book according to the script of the calligrapher's works, including Seal Script, Regular Script, Running Script, and Cursive Script. The "Preface" of each book not only summarizes the entire process of Chinese calligraphy history but also provides a detailed introduction and evaluation of the origin, development, characteristics, and influence of each script, as well as the major calligraphers and works. Each piece is accompanied by expert commentary, which introduces and critiques the style, school, and influence on later generations, allowing readers to accurately understand the essence and spirit of the works.
Features of The Treasures of Chinese Calligraphy Through the Ages
1. The number of famous works and treasures included is large. It nearly collects all famous masters, famous scrolls, and famous works from all dynasties. Many of them are rare treasures that are difficult for people to see.
2. The works included cover a wide range of styles and time spans, making them highly valuable in terms of art, appreciation, history, culture, and collection.
3. The works are arranged in sets of Seal Script, Regular Script, Running Script, and Cursive Script, each set ordered by the dynasty in which the works were created.
4. Expert commentaries are provided, making it suitable for general appreciation.
5. The printing and binding are exquisite and luxurious. The entire book is printed in an octavo large format, ensuring that many large works are fully displayed. It is the first time that imported special paper, specifically produced for this book, is used for printing, with hand-bound stitching, guaranteeing the quality of the album.