Newly Composed Cursive Script Dictionary

Author: Zhao Xiong
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2002-10-01
Features:
1. This dictionary is an art reference tool, compiling single-character forms written in cursive script by famous calligraphers throughout Chinese history.
2. The character forms in this dictionary are selected from the works of 200 calligraphers from the Han Dynasty to the modern era, primarily from classic stele inscriptions and ink rubbings. While the works of predecessors such as Cao Yun Bian Ti (Distinguishing the Forms of Cursive Script), Cao Sheng Hui Bian (Comprehensive Collection of Cursive Script), Cao Yun Hui Bian (Collected Distinguishing the Forms of Cursive Script), and Cao Zi Hui Bian (Comprehensive Collection of Cursive Characters) are included, albeit with some limitations in their engraving quality, for reference.
3. The dictionary is edited to cover three styles of cursive script: Zhangcao (Old Cursive), Jincao (Modern Cursive), and Kuangcao (Wild Cursive). Due to the characteristics of cursive script forms, the entries are not arranged chronologically by calligrapher. However, an appendix titled "List of Major Calligraphers Throughout History" is provided for supplementary reference.
4. The selected character forms in this dictionary aim for diversity while also ensuring that forms with similar structures and strokes are grouped together to facilitate learning, comprehension, and mastery.
5. The dictionary places special emphasis on including commonly used character forms.
6. The dictionary is organized by simplified characters, with entries and indexes based on radicals similar to those in general dictionaries. Below each simplified character head, the traditional form is listed. If a selected ink rubbing includes one or more variant forms, all variants are summarized under a single simplified character and listed as variant forms under the corresponding simplified character head.
7. For ease of retrieval, the dictionary includes a "Radical Index" and a "Character Lookup Table." Multiple radicals can be used to search for the same character—for example, the character "Yao" can be found under the radicals "Xiao" (small), "Yu" (feather), and "Zui" (small bird). For particularly difficult-to-find characters, the dictionary also provides a "" (Stroke Index Table) for reference.