Calligraphy Dictionary of Qi Gong

Author: Qin Yonglong
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-05-01
Features: Qi Gong (1912—2005), styled Yuanbai, was a Manchu and a contemporary master of Chinese studies. During his lifetime, he served as a professor at Beijing Normal University, a standing committee member of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, director of the Central Research Institute of History and Culture, chairperson of the National Committee for the Appraisal of Cultural Relics, president and honorary president of the China Calligraphers' Association, and president of the Xiling Seal Society. He studied under the renowned historian Chen Yuan and dedicated his long career to teaching and research in Chinese literary history, Chinese art history, ancient textual studies, classical Chinese poetry, calligraphy and painting, and traditional linguistics. As an expert who taught for over seventy years and made significant contributions to the teaching and research of traditional Chinese culture, he not only authored numerous works but also nurtured a large number of highly skilled advanced talents for the nation. Passionate about education, respectful of teachers, and caring for students, he auctioned his calligraphy and paintings to raise over two million yuan, establishing the Li Yun Scholarship and Grant Fund at Beijing Normal University to repay his teachers' kindness and carry forward the legacy of his mentor, Chen Yuan, while promoting the cause of education in the motherland. Chinese calligraphy, as an integral part of traditional Chinese culture, is a shining gem in the world's artistic treasury, unique in form, rich in connotation, long in history, and profound in depth. This art, exclusive to China, was created by cultural elites of past generations. Like brilliant stars, they shone with both literary grace and scholarly brilliance, leaving their mark on history. The venerable and erudite Qi Gong, a towering figure in calligraphy of the modern and contemporary era, is a perfect example. This book synchronizes calligraphy learning with studies in literature, history, and philosophy, rooting the art of calligraphy in the fertile soil of traditional culture. It emphasizes the combination of theory and practice, embodying the spirit of "ceaseless learning, ceaseless practice." The character collection is sourced from official publications both within and outside China, as well as original works, manuscripts, and photographs of Qi Gong and his family. It includes over 3,800 characters, with approximately 63,500 variant forms.