|
Confucianism, a dominant philosophy in Tang Dynasty China, had a significant influence on the values and ethical dimensions of calligraphy. The emphasis on moral character, social harmony, and reverence for tradition permeated both the content of the written texts and the manner in which calligraphy was practiced. The Confucian influence helped to shape the way that calligraphy was approached and practiced. Confucian values such as ren (仁), or benevolence, and li (禮), or propriety, were often reflected in the content and style of calligraphic works. Calligraphers viewed their art as a means of expressing their moral values and their commitment to social harmony. The calligraphic practice became closely associated with moral virtue. The practice of calligraphy was seen as a form of self-cultivation, helping calligraphers to develop virtues such as patience, focus, and discipline. The disciplined nature of calligraphy was seen to be a valuable tool for developing virtue. The disciplined nature of the art was consistent with the Confucian ideals of the time. The careful and deliberate approach to stroke execution reflected the Confucian emphasis on order and precision. Calligraphers aimed to create characters that were not only aesthetically pleasing but also ethically sound. The attention to detail was in line with the emphasis on order that was central to Confucian thought. The Confucian values of respecting tradition and emulating the works of masters also shaped the practice of calligraphy in the Tang Dynasty. Calligraphers studied the works of past masters and applied the knowledge they had gained. The reverence for tradition was evident in how calligraphers learned the craft. |
Tag : Tang calligraphy Confucianism, Chinese philosophy, moral values, ethical calligraphy, calligraphy virtues
Discover the key features of Regular Script (Kaishu), including its emphasis on clear strokes, balanced structure, and the interplay of positive and negative space, essential aspects of this classic style.
The aesthetic impact of kaishu is deeply intertwined with the intricate technicalities of its brushwork, where each stroke is a carefully executed expression of the calligrapher’s skill and artistic vision. This essay will focus on analyzing the nuances of these individual strokes, demonstrating how they combine to form a visual language. We will begin by revisiting the “永字八法” (Yong character’s eight principles), which are the foundational strokes of kaishu. We will go beyond a mere description of the strokes to analyze the nuances of their execution, looking at the specific angles, speeds, and pressures required to achieve their intended forms. The emphasis is on how the brush moves across the paper, and the subtle transitions in each stroke.
This article explores the Jin Dynasty’s rich manuscript legacy, detailing how these texts provide valuable insight into early Kaishu practices, revealing the transition from flowing scripts to structured forms, and highlighting the variety of brush techniques used in everyday writing.
This article explores the psychological benefits of practicing Tang Kaishu, highlighting how the discipline, focus, and meditative nature of the art can help reduce stress, improve concentration, build resilience, and enhance overall mental well-being.
This article discusses the influence of Tang Kaishu on Korean calligraphy (seoye), highlighting the adoption and adaptation of Chinese characters, the development of distinct Korean styles, and how the tradition of studying Tang calligraphy remains essential to seoye.