Calligraphy Dictionary (Volume 1 and 2)

Author: Tianjin People's Fine Arts Publishing House
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2005-01-01
Features: This dictionary is compiled based on the "Great Dictionary of Cursive Script" published by Shaoyeshanfang in 1914. Some entries that no longer align with modern usage have been removed, and the index has been revised for easier reference. The selection of characters in this dictionary primarily draws from the calligraphy works of the "Two Wangs" (Wang Xizhi and Wang Xianzhi), as well as various famous calligraphers from the Wei, Jin, Song, Yuan, and Ming dynasties. Additional characters are sourced from works such as "Essentials of Cursive Script," "Rhyme Dictionary of Cursive Script," "Collection of Cursive Script," "Cursive Script of Tang Poems," and "Korean Cursive Script." Each character in the dictionary is preceded by a regular script (Kai style) version, which is highlighted for easy reference. Variants of characters from different eras and calligraphers are also included. Each character features multiple styles from various calligraphers. The regular script version contains 6,072 characters, while the cursive script version contains 49,500 characters. The name of the calligrapher is noted below each character. For those with unknown origins, the source is indicated, such as "Tang dynasty," "Ming dynasty," or "selected from 'Rhyme Dictionary of Cursive Script,' 'Essentials of Cursive Script,' etc. (abbreviated as 'Rhyme Dictionary,' 'Essentials of Cursive Script')." This dictionary employs the radical index method, arranged in order of stroke count. To facilitate easy lookup, a radical index table is provided at the beginning of the volume, allowing readers to find the desired character immediately. The cursive script versions of characters may derive from regular script or variant forms, and all are presented below the main character to illustrate their origins and variations.