Chinese calligraphy is a primary discipline in the traditional Chinese classics and a unique area in humanities studies worldwide. A Study of Chinese Calligraphy is the first English monograph that provides a thorough synthesis of the research findings on the subject to date, filling a gap in international sinology. Based on his research in ancient Chinese characters, the author first presents a comprehensive description of the origins and development of Chinese characters and their influence on calligraphy. He then goes on to explore the distinction between calligraphy as an art and as an academic discipline. More importantly, he innovatively compares Western aesthetic theories and Chinese calligraphy’s aesthetic principles. This comparative approach not only gives new insights into Chinese calligraphy, but also establishes common principles for the humanities and fine arts, bringing this long-lived art form to a global audience.
List of Exhibits
Foreword
Acknowledgments
Chapter 1 Aesthetic Principles of Chinese Calligraphy
Chapter 2 Chinese Calligraphy and Chinese Characters
Chapter 3 An Outline History of Chinese Calligraphy
Chapter 4 The Theoretical Evolution of Calligraphy and Higher Education
Bibliography
Index
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Minshen Zhu
Dr. Minshen Zhu is a calligraphy and paleography scholar. He holds a BA from Fudan University (1982) and a PhD from the Australian National University (1989). He also completed his executive training CLHE at Harvard Kennedy School and Harvard Graduate School of Education (2010). His major academic publications include A University Course of Chinese Calligraphy (1985) (editor-in-chief) and The Shuowen Jiezi: The Dawn of Studies of the Ancient Characters (1999). He is presently Chair of the Board of Top Education Group and Principal of Top Education Institute in Australia.
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Presents an in-depth historical research on the relationship between the development of Chinese characters and the art of Chinese calligraphy
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Makes a comparative analysis of Chinese calligraphy and Western aesthetic concepts
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Showcases a wide array of calligraphy works selected from different eras of Chinese history
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Presents an in-depth historical research on the relationship between the development of Chinese characters and the art of Chinese calligraphy
-
Makes a comparative analysis of Chinese calligraphy and Western aesthetic concepts
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Showcases a wide array of calligraphy works selected from different eras of Chinese history