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The horizontal stroke is a defining element of lishu, and this essay will explore the significance of these strokes, delving into their structural importance, technical variations, and their aesthetic impact on the script. This section will discuss the horizontal stroke’s fundamental importance to lishu structures. This emphasis creates a sense of stability and groundedness that sets lishu apart from more vertical scripts. The essay will then delve into the technical variations within horizontal strokes, highlighting how the calligrapher controls the brush’s speed, pressure, and angle to create a range of visual effects. We will examine the different types of horizontal strokes, from the straight and stable to the dynamic and flowing, and how each contributes to the script's overall aesthetic character. This will reveal how subtle changes can alter the visual impact. We will also focus on the "蚕头燕尾" (cantou yanwei) strokes, and how they serve as an extension and elaboration on the basic horizontal line. We will see how the calligrapher’s manipulation of this distinctive ending to the horizontal strokes adds a sense of movement and dynamism to the script. These unique strokes are pivotal to the script's overall design. The discussion will then shift to the role of horizontal strokes in relation to vertical strokes, exploring how their interaction creates the fundamental structure and balance of lishu. We will emphasize that horizontal lines establish a sense of grounding, while vertical strokes bring verticality. This interplay creates the overall structure of lishu characters. Finally, the essay will conclude by highlighting the importance of the horizontal stroke as a defining characteristic of lishu, arguing that it is not just a structural element but also a powerful symbol of stability, order, and a grounded approach to life. The overall visual and cultural significance of the horizontal line will be addressed. The horizontal stroke is at the heart of lishu's distinctive aesthetic. |
Tag : Calligraphy,LiShu,Analyzing the Emphasis on Horizontal Strokes in Clerical Script
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