Chinese Writing and Calligraphy (Latitude 20 Books (Paperback)) - Softcover

Wendan Li

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0824833643 ISBN 13: 9780824833640

Publisher: University of Hawaii Press, 2010

Synopsis

Suitable for college and high school students and those learning on their own, this fully illustrated coursebook provides comprehensive instruction in the history and practical techniques of Chinese calligraphy. No previous knowledge of the language is required to follow the text or complete the lessons.

The work covers three major areas: 1) descriptions of Chinese characters and their components, including stroke types, layout patterns, and indications of sound and meaning; 2) basic brush techniques; and 3) the social, cultural, historical, and philosophical underpinnings of Chinese calligraphy―all of which are crucial to understanding and appreciating this art form.

Students practice brush writing as they progress from tracing to copying to free-hand writing. Model characters are marked to indicate meaning and stroke order, and well-known model phrases are shown in various script types, allowing students to practice different calligraphic styles. Beginners will find the author’s advice on how to avoid common pitfalls in writing brush strokes invaluable.

Chinese Writing and Calligraphy will be welcomed by both students and instructors in need of an accessible text on learning the fundamentals of the art of writing Chinese characters.

About this title

About the Author

Wendan Li is associate professor of Chinese language and linguistics at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Edition details

• Publisher: University of Hawaii Press
• Publication date: 2010
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0824833643
• ISBN 13: 9780824833640
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 280