Chinese Calligraphy

With an extensive history of about 1000 years, calligraphy has established itself as one of the most important forms of ancient Chinese art. It was, and still to this day, considered to be one of the four most sought skills and hobbies of ancient Chinese Literati. Educated men and few court women were expected to be proficient in the art of calligraphy. This form of artistic expression is still is widely practiced in contemporary Chinese society.

Medieval forms of Chinese calligraphy varied in scripts and styles. One of the earliest calligraphic work, for instance was carved on turtle shells and animal bones, a form aptly given the name of oracle bone script. Initially created due to purpose of conveying thought and the recording of information,  Chinese calligraphy evolved in showing the abstract beauty of the line. Rhythm, line, and structure perfectly embed themselves in calligraphy. Through the pressure and speed variations of the pointed Chinese brush, calligraphers emphasis emotions while undergoing mental exercises which coordinate the body and the mind.