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The exceptional quality of Tang Dynasty Kaishu is not solely due to the talent of its calligraphers, but also to the mastery of specific techniques, the proper use of tools, and the knowledge of materials. Brushwork, ink preparation, and the selection of paper all played essential roles in producing the exquisite calligraphy of this era. The mastery of these technical elements is a key element to the calligraphy’s success. The brush techniques used by Tang Dynasty calligraphers were the result of centuries of refinement. They employed a variety of pressure, speed, and angle variations to create strokes that ranged from fine and delicate to thick and bold. The proper use of brush technique was a critical element for successful calligraphy. The ink used in Tang calligraphy was made from soot and glue, carefully ground and mixed to achieve the desired consistency and depth of color. Different types of ink were used to produce various shades and effects, and the control of ink flow on the paper was crucial. The quality and consistency of the ink was a defining feature of the best calligraphy. Xuan paper, known for its absorbency and smoothness, was a preferred choice among Tang calligraphers. Its texture and absorbency allowed for the ink to be fully expressed and helped in the creation of the fine lines and strokes associated with the Tang Dynasty. The quality of the paper greatly impacted the final result of the work. The use of these specific brush techniques, high-quality ink, and carefully chosen paper all contributed to the unique aesthetic of Tang Dynasty Kaishu. The understanding of these materials was an essential component for the calligraphers. The tools and materials were a key factor in the overall success of the work. |
Tag : Tang Kaishu techniques, Chinese calligraphy tools, brushwork techniques, Xuan paper, calligraphy ink
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.
This article discusses the importance of Tang Dynasty calligraphy manuals, noting their guidance on stroke execution, character composition, theoretical principles, and how these texts served as a resource for both practice and the preservation of tradition.
This article discusses the significance of Sui Dynasty calligraphy as the culmination of pre-Tang Regular Script development, showing the convergence of styles towards a more standardized form, and its crucial role in preparing for the rise of formal Kaishu in the Tang Dynasty.
This article focuses on Yan Zhenqing, emphasizing his boldness and expressiveness in Tang Kaishu, his powerful brushstrokes, his moral purpose, his famous “Yan Family Ancestral Temple Stele,” and his emotional impact on calligraphy.
This article discusses the diverse regional styles of early Kaishu during the Southern Dynasties, highlighting how various kingdoms developed distinct approaches to stroke, composition, and aesthetic, paving the way for the standardization of Tang Dynasty Kaishu.