Chinese Calligraphy

Introduction to Chinese Calligraphy

Asian calligraphy, specifically, the Chinese style, originated as a means of conveying sentiment through printed language. The Chinese do not use an Arabic alphabet as we do, rather their language is created in symbols that do not exactly correspond to the spoken word. There are many different dialects of spoken Chinese used throughout the world, but written Chinese has been standardized (first as Classical Chinese and since 1919, Vernacular Chinese).

Chinese characters are not just written to get a specific meaning across when they are used in calligraphy, rather the technique and materials also play a part in this art form. There are five separate types of characters used in Chinese style calligraphy:

Seal Script

Seal style comes from the formal style of Qin writing, which is no longer used or studied. Most people in China cannot read the Seal Script, so it is only used for calligraphy and painting, or other works of art.

Clerical Script

Clerical Script evolved from Seal Script, and the characters are flatter and broader than earlier or later styles. Very early Clerical Script (from early dynasties) is hard for modern Chinese to read, but later examples are still legible. This Script is still occasionally used for decorative reasons as well as in calligraphy, but it is not handwritten.

Semi-Cursive Script

In the semi-cursive script style of calligraphic writing, the characters look the most similar to normal handwriting. The characters in Semi-Cursive Script may be allowed to run into each other, which can make it harder to read than normal characters.

Cursive Script

In the cursive script style of calligraphy, the brush never leaves the page, so all of the characters run together. It is hard for the average Chinese reader to understand, and it is used more for its beauty than readability. Japanese hiragana originated with this form.

Regular Script

Regular Script is the standard form of Chinese calligraphy. It is the easiest to recognize, read and print, so most people who learn Chinese writing start with this type.

Calligraphy in China is an incredibly important art form, and it has inspired many other types of art, including brush and ink and the creating of signature "chop blocks". Among Chinese nobility (and today's upper class), calligraphy is a highly prized skill.

This type of calligraphy also uses many special tools, such as ink from an inkstone, which must be ground and mixed with water, paper made with special materials like rice and mulberry and brushes made from animal hair.

Calligraphy in Tattoos

Chinese characters for "peace".

Many people choose to get Chinese or Japanese characters tattooed on their bodies because they enjoy the novelty of Chinese characters or because they want to make a statement that not everyone can read. Ordinary Western lettering may be too bold for what they want to say, or the Chinese calligraphy may represent something culturally.

To make sure that you're getting the correct characters inked on your body, please consult a reputable source for your Chinese translation. Don't rely on a tattoo shop or a friend who doesn't read Chinese to give you a translation; find out for yourself. The Chinese Characters Dictionary Web can help you to look up specific words and character meanings.

In Conclusion

Chinese calligraphy can make beautiful tattoos because of its simplicity and elegance, and the foreign nature of the script adds a nice exotic look to your body art.