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

INTRODUCTION

of the matter. But I shall not neglect technique: there will be chapters on training and practice for the assistance of those who wish to make the venture even though they know nothing of the language.

In China calligraphy is the most popular of the arts. It is a national taste, a common aesthetic instinct nourished in every Chinese from childhood up. There are many more scholars who are crazy over it than over painting. Good paintings, songs and poems are not common, but good calligraphy is to be found everywhere in China and at every period of history. The majority of Chinese people—like the majority of any other nation—understand almost nothing of art and literature, yet all of them can gaze at a piece of calligraphy with pleasure simply for its familiar shapes and patterns. Families which are too poor to afford ancient paintings will possess rubbings of characters taken from engravings on bronze and stone objects.

Great numbers of Chinese people look upon calligraphy as one of the most delectable of hobbies and pastimes. The art is easier than painting in that far less preliminary thought is required. For a painting one must wait upon mood and inspiration—if one is ever granted these gifts !—whereas in an instant one can write a character, a series of beautifully proportioned curves and strokes that can be looked upon with pleasure. Why not try ?