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

CHINESE CALLIGRAPHY

In my first book, The Chinese Eye, which was an interpretation of Chinese painting, I should have achieved one of my objects—the explanation of the aesthetic elements of brushwork—to a far greater extent had our calligraphy been more familiar to Westerners. The exposition of such a subject as calligraphy is really a considerable task, and I do not hope to cover all the ground in this one short book. But I can at least give in outline all the main facts. This book is not written for the benefit of those already knowledgeable on the subject, nor is it meant for any Chinese public. It is intended as a simple guide to those who wish to discover the fundamental principles. And it is therefore furnished with as many examples, illustrations and figurative interpretations as I have been able to think of. I shall be satisfied if it leads some people to appreciate one more form of our art, and helps them to understand more deeply the painting and other forms of our art which they already love.

Being myself profoundly interested in Chinese art, especially in its painting, I was anxious, when I came to England, to learn the Westerner’s attitude towards it, and accordingly I read a number of Western books on the subject. Quite often I came across wondering comments or mistaken conceptions which, without a doubt, were entirely due to the fact that some branches of our art, especially calligraphy, have never been adequately interpreted. I have listened to the comments of many Westerners upon our handwriting. I have heard scores of people say: ‘I like the appearance of Chinese characters, but I can’t discriminate between good and bad.’ Or, ‘ What exactly constitutes good writing ?’ Or, ‘ How is a beautiful character made ? * And so on. Evidently there is a demand for knowledge. The

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