Calligraphy In Ancient China

Calligraphy was a form of visual art esteemed above all others in ancient China because it had to be meticulously crafted and it created a culture devoted to the power of the written language leading to positions of authority. It composed of many tangible elements like the basic brush and ink. However, it also included many intangibles such as self-control and discipline. Calligraphers developed individual styles to differentiate themselves from the rest. They represented their moods by using different seals. In ancient China, calligraphy emerged as an art form viewed as one of the most atheistically and intellectually pleasing.

To fully understand the true purpose of calligraphy, it is crucial to know the history of how it came to be such

Those who could control the brush could master calligraphy. The calligraphy experts learned how to control their actions and not rush to get a piece done. Self-control allowed them to maintain a steady hand while writing. Established calligraphers spent years mastering the art, which required much discipline. The practice of discipline enabled them to stay focused on perfecting the art. Lastly, relaxation aided calligraphers in developing their perfect style. While maintaining a steady hand and spending years studying this art, writers needed to stay relaxed or else the first two elements were not applicable. Relaxation allowed the mind and body to relieve tension and focus their entire energy on perfecting the craft. With these elements, those who were masters of calligraphy were literate had a better chance of getting jobs. The men who practiced calligraphy were educated and had power in the social structure. This powerful tool, calligraphy, created a new social class of scholars and scribes who dedicated themselves to their

To attain a good technique, calligraphers disciplined themselves and respected the tradition. The scholars that wished to master calligraphy dedicated themselves to their practice. They practiced and became proficient in choreographed movements and maintained complete control while adding a certain indescribable quality that correlated to their own unique style. There were many different seals that correspond to the calligrapher’s overall mood and style. The three major seals were the small seal, the clerical seal, and the draft seal. The purpose of the seals was to differentiate the calligrapher’s mood. The individual seals represented different uses and messaging of the art. For example, some were for everyday business, and some were for formal engraving. The seals used in each piece represented the calligrapher’s feelings. Chinese calligraphy was originally a method of written communication, but it grew to become so much more. It evolved into a beautiful art form and served as a basis for a new social structure. Calligraphy’s purpose was to be a form of communication. The art that developed from that was one of the most important art forms from ancient