Chinese Calligraphy

Chinese Calligraphy

Calligraphy established itself as the most important ancient Chinese art form alongside painting, first coming to the fore during the Han dynasty (206 BCE - 220 CE). All educated men and some court women were expected to be proficient at it, an expectation which remained well into modern times. Far more than mere writing, good calligraphy exhibited an exquisite brush control and attention to composition, but the actual manner of writing was also important with rapid, spontaneous strokes being the ideal. The brushwork of calligraphy, its philosophy, and materials would influence Chinese painting styles, especially landscape painting and many of the ancient scripts are still imitated today in modern Chinese writing.

Essential Questions

1.What is the purpose of Chinese calligraphy?

2. How is Chinese calligraphy associated with the mind?

 Five principles of Chinese calligraphy:

1. Posture: It is important to sit up straight. 2. Good knowledge of the tools: The Four Treasures of the Study. The Four Treasures of the Study (文房四宝 wén fáng sì bǎo) is an expression used to refer to the ink brush, ink stick, paper and inkstone used in Chinese calligraphy and painting. 

3. Control: You must know how to control the brush.

4.  Rhythm: The characters should flow smoothly down the page with the knowledge of calligraphy strokes.  

5. Balance: Make sure all the lines are the right thickness and length. 

1. 

四季平安

May you be blessed with peace and safety in all four seasons
出入平安 Wishing you always safe where you go     

恭喜發財 Wishing you prosperity and wealth
新年快樂  Happy Chinese New Year
大吉大利 Grortune and great favor
吉祥如意 We wish you good fortune and may all your wishes come true
五福臨門 May fortune come to your door
迎春納福 May you welcome happiness with the spring
財源廣進 May wealth come generously to you
國泰民安The country is at peace and the people
喜氣洋洋 May your happiness be as broad as the sea
萬事如意May everything go as you hope
新春大吉Wishing you good fortune
心想事成May all your wishes come true  
恭喜發財Wishing you prosperity
龍馬精神Wishing you boundless energy
青春常駐Wishing you youthful vigor
歲歲平安Everlasting peace year after year
年年有餘May there be bounty every year
吉星高照Good luck in the year ahead!
恭喜發財May you come into a good fortune!
財運亨通May many fortunes find their way to you!
健康長壽I want to wish you longevity and health!