Homepage>>Newsletter

We've all seen it - but what does it mean? A calligrapher will tell you that it's not so important to know what the Chinese character is; you simply enjoy it for its aesthetic value.

Chinese calligraphy dates back to prehistoric times, beginning with ancient Orientals carving abstract symbols on the walls of their cave houses and on animal bones and tortoise shells, thus pre-empting their written language. Today it is practiced by millions of Chinese, the great majority being amateurs who find pleasure or artistic fulfillment simply in perfecting their script.

Although Chinese calligraphy uses words as its vehicle of expression, one doesn't need to know Chinese to appreciate its beauty. In essence, it's an abstract art, embodying the simple (but not so simple to do) beauty of rhythm, line, and structure, similar in aesthetic value to western modern art. It expresses the human spirit, reflecting the calligrapher's personality, mood, idea, and thoughts of the soul. Many individual styles have evolved, distinguishing masters from novices. The most favored styles reflect spontaneity, where the brush acts as a seismograph recording the movements of the arm, wrist and hand.

Every Chinese character is constructed within its own square, drawing upon three basic forms: the circle, the triangle, and the square. For each character, there is a definite number of strokes and appointed positions for them in relation to the whole. No stroke can be added or deleted for decorative effects, yet strict regularity isn't required. The characters fall into the following styles: regular, running, grass, official, and seal scripts. Regular characters are divided into Wei and Tang scripts; there are Jin (modern) and Kuang (wild) scripts. Official scripts are divided into Qin and Han styles; grass characters are divided into Zhang (cursive official) and Jin (modern), and seal scripts are divided into large and small characters.

Calligraphy was established as a "high art" form well before the Tang dynasty. During the Song, Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties, it continued to be the central art of the literati, associated with the cultural life of the educated elite. During the 20th Century, Communists Party leaders continued to practice the art, often giving away pieces of their calligraphy as special gifts or to be displayed in public settings. Matter of fact, Mao Zedong's calligraphy has been more widely displayed than that of any other leader. Former Premier, Jiang Zemin often gave his calligraphy to special societies he endorsed and wanted to support.

There's still a substantial market in China for calligraphy scrolls produced in the traditional manner. Most art schools also employ professors to train aspiring young calligraphy artists, and even grade school children are taught the fundamentals. On the streets of China, it's quite common to se local artists producing calligraphy for signs, name plaques, and door frames. It's a living art. To the Chinese and Westerners alike, it's a potent force reflecting the human spirit throughout this vast country.

A Visit to the Post Office

So you're heading to the post office to either mail a letter home, or maybe ship a box of calligraphy scrolls to your parents and friends. Knowing a few basic phrases will help you get by. Don't expect the postal workers to have a grasp on English, but keep in mind that, like most of the people you encounter here, they'll be willing to help and most will be patient with your requests and inquiries. It's also not uncommon to end up having another visitor at the post office, someone with a rudimentary knowledge of English, thoughtfully offer to assist you with your transactions. If only us westerners were that thoughtful back home! Anyway, listed below are some helpful words and phrases to practice, or at least jot down before you're on your way to the post office Here's what you'll want to say: