How to Write Clerical Script

Author: Xie Kongbin
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-08-19
Features: Cangcao is a cursive style derived from clerical script. It evolved from the cursive clerical script of the Qin Dynasty and became a new script form. During the reign of Emperor Yuan of the Western Han Dynasty, Shi You standardized this new script form by organizing and compiling the Jiju Zhang, establishing a model for Cangcao calligraphy. The script features of Cangcao are characterized by independent characters, unlike modern cursive script where characters are intertwined. Its stroke characteristics are rounded like seal script, while dots and strokes resemble clerical script. Within a single character, strokes are connected with fine silk-like lines, creating a continuous and flowing connection. The thickness and weight of strokes vary significantly, and some horizontal strokes often extend upward and to the right with heavy, calligraphic emphasis, resembling the finishing stroke of clerical script.
Characteristics of Cangcao calligraphy: Cangcao omits the (serpentine starting stroke) of clerical script but retains the (swan tail ending stroke). The heavy upward extension of the makes it inconvenient for quick writing, leading to its replacement by modern cursive script. However, in modern cursive script, the inheritance of Cangcao is evident and prominent. Calligrapher Wang Shiting once said: For beginners, start with Cangcao; once mastered, transition to modern cursive. He also remarked: Practicing modern cursive without understanding Cangcao is like seeking squareness without rules—it is not advisable. An Introduction to Calligraphy states: If one merely pursues modern cursive while ignoring Cangcao, it is akin to studying without studying inscriptions—its vulgarity and slipshod quality are self-evident. This demonstrates the importance and necessity of learning Cangcao before modern cursive. As the saying goes: For learners, the initial focus is on method; if the method is not followed, how can progress be made? Below, the importance will be explained in detail.