Chinese Writing and Calligraphy / / Wendan Li.

• Superior document: Title is part of eBook package: De Gruyter Asian Studies Backlist (2000-2014) eBook Package
• VerfasserIn: Li, Wendan,
• Place / Publishing House: Honolulu : : University of Hawaii Press, , [2010]; ©2010
• Year of Publication: 2010
• Language: English
• Physical Description: 1 online resource (324 p.) :; 132 illus.

Suitable for college and high school students and those learning on their own, this fully illustrated coursebook provides comprehensive instruction in the history and practical techniques of Chinese calligraphy. No previous knowledge of the language is required to follow the text or complete the lessons.The work covers three major areas: 1) descriptions of Chinese characters and their components, including stroke types, layout patterns, and indications of sound and meaning; 2) basic brush techniques; and 3) the social, cultural, historical, and philosophical underpinnings of Chinese calligraphy-all of which are crucial to understanding and appreciating this art form.Students practice brush writing as they progress from tracing to copying to free-hand writing. Model characters are marked to indicate meaning and stroke order, and well-known model phrases are shown in various script types, allowing students to practice different calligraphic styles. Beginners will find the author's advice on how to avoid common pitfalls in writing brush strokes invaluable. Chinese Writing and Calligraphy will be welcomed by both students and instructors in need of an accessible text on learning the fundamentals of the art of writing Chinese characters.

Table of Contents

Frontmatter -- Contents -- Preface -- Chapter 1. Introduction -- Chapter 2. Writing Instruments and Training Procedures -- Chapter 3. Brush Techniques and Basic Strokes I -- Chapter 4. Brush Techniques and Basic Strokes II -- Chapter 5. Basic Strokes III and Stroke Order -- Chapter 6. The Formation of Chinese Characters -- Chapter 7. The Internal Structure of Characters and the Aesthetics of Writing -- Chapter 8. The Development of Chinese Calligraphy I: The Seal Scripts -- Chapter 9. The Development of Chinese Calligraphy II: The Clerical Script -- Chapter 10. The Development of Chinese Calligraphy III: The Regular Script -- Chapter 11. The Development of Chinese Calligraphy IV: The Running and Cursive Styles -- Chapter 12. The Art of Composition -- Chapter 13. The Yin and Yang of Chinese Calligraphy -- Chapter 14. By Way of Conclusion: Chinese Calligraphy in the Modern Era -- Appendix 1. Brush Writing Exercises -- Appendix 2. Pinyin Pronunciation Guide -- Notes -- Glossary -- References -- Books in English for Further Study -- Index -- About the Author