Calligraphy and Chinese Culture

Author: Ouyang Zhongshi et al.
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2000-01-01
Features: Calligraphy, this authentic Chinese cultural treasure, has held a pivotal position in Chinese culture for millennia. Even today, some still emphasize the idea that "a person's handwriting reflects their character," meaning one can discern a person's personality and education through their writing style. Thus, after the Wei and Jin dynasties, calligraphy became a criterion for judging the moral character and cultivation of scholars and officials, and a piece of paper with a few characters became an object of reverence (with images!).
Author's Self-Introduction: I have always advocated a macro approach followed by micro exploration in teaching, to help determine the coordinates of the subject being studied. This book is an important part of my teaching for doctoral and master's students in recent years, which I have now compiled into a specialized topic on calligraphy theory. Mr. Shi Yanlun has been with me for many years, assisting in the meticulous editing and overall compilation with great dedication. The chapter authors are as follows:
Pre-Qin Period: Tao Yongxiang
Han Dynasty: Yang Xiufu
Wei, Jin, Southern and Northern Dynasties: Shi Yanlun
Sui, Tang, and Five Dynasties: Ye Peigui
Song and Yuan Dynasties: He Xuesen
Ming Dynasty: Li Yongzhong
Qing Dynasty: Gan Zhongliu
A preliminary draft was completed, and Professor Liu Shou'an then conducted a detailed review and proofreading of the entire manuscript. Gan Zhongliu also contributed many specific tasks. Mr. Zhang Runsheng of the People's Publishing House devoted significant effort to editing this book, for which we express our gratitude. The illustrations in the book are primarily sourced from works such as The Complete Collection of Chinese Art and Illustrated History of Chinese Culture. Many of the specialized topics in the book are based on the research findings of experts in various fields, which we have quoted as learning insights. Although not all contributors are mentioned here, their contributions are invaluable, and we extend our sincere thanks to them.
—Ouyang Zhongshi