Chinese calligraphy : an introduction to its aesthetic and technique : with 6 plates and 155 text illustratons

CHINESE CALLIGRAPHY

problem in the spacing of the parts. One side of the character may be much larger or denser than the other side, but the whole still must not overbalance. We Chinese prefer asymmetrical

By Téng Shih-Yi © By Tai Hsi © By Chao Meng-Fu By Chao Chih-Ch‘ien FIG. 72 balance, for the reason that it seems to us to possess more movement. In the following sketches two pairs of birds are perched upon a branch, but in (a), where the postures of the pair differ

\ ii C2) ©)

FIG. 73

slightly, the eye is stimulated, while in (6) the eye has an impression of decorative effect only, a static impression. Similarly with characters. There is a very marked difference in the pleasure derived from the standard proportions of the printed words Ping and Lin and the well-placed irregularities of their written

3h oak RR Ping Lin

FIG. 74 [ 118 ]