Calligraphy literally means "Beautiful Writing" and has been accepted and acknowledged as an art form in various cultures throughout the world. But the ancient Chinese Calligraphy is unparalleled. Chinese calligraphy is a unique oriental art form to Asian cultures with a brilliant tradition as ancient as the culture itself. It is similar to painting and makes use of Chinese characters as an elementary vehicle to communicate and spread the divine world of the artist. All the way through, Calligraphy uses a basic media, brush handling techniques, scripts, presentation and style to express the emotions, culture, artistic/creative feelings, and moral principles of the artist to the readers who are overwhelmed by the power of application and the pleasure of beauty. Calligraphy is not just another way of writing Chinese characters, but also a beautiful, elaborate and a stylish art of interpretation. In another word -- It has a life. (Click here to see your name in Chinese calligraphy generated by computer.)

Appreciation of The Art of Chinese Calligraphy

Calligraphy is an art dating back to the earliest day of history, and widely practiced throughout China to this day. Although it uses Chinese words as its vehicle of expression, one does not have to know Chinese to appreciate its beauty. Because in essence, Calligraphy is an abstract art. While viewing a Western abstract painting, one does not ask, "What is it?" When viewing Chinese calligraphy, one need not ask, "What is the Chinese word?" In this page, we selected single words from the works of many master calligraphers from the past to illustrate the astounding beauty of the art. Like all art, it is best to simply look at them for enjoyment. Do not be sidetracked with questions of theory, technique, etc. Do not worry about "What is it?" Beside each work, a very short comment is given to describe its "style", based on the classical book of Tu Meng (Tang dynasty 618-905).

For a flavor of these different styles, look at the calligraphy of single words, as written by the past masters. The idea here is not to learn how to write with a brush, or what the words are, but just to look at them as an abstract art.

A single word written in different styles

A gracefully executed work has no peer

By Si-Ma Kuang, Song Dynasty (1019-1086)

Bold yet fluid

From Ode of Mulan by [Mi Fei]

Formal

By [Yan Zhenqing]

Balance

By [Wu Ju]

playful

By Li Juan (b. 1713)

A carefree style has no fixed directions

By [Wang Xizhi]. The character is Sui (to follow), in cursive style.
The movement of the strokes suggests speed, by a dancing rather than a racing speed.

A gracefully executed work

An exuberant work full of feeling and vigor.

By [Wang Xizhi]