Chinese Calligraphy: An Introduction to Its Aesthetic and Technique

As a Chinese brush painting teacher I would recommend this book to my student who start learning Chinese painting or Calligraphy. The new additional chapters in this third edition covers the historical and aesthetical relationship between Chinese calligraphy and painting as well as other art forms like seal engraving. If you, like the author(and me), are from China and teach Chinese as second language, Chinese calligraphy or Chinese art history you will definately need to have this book. BTW, I have got a Chinese version of this book too so I can compare it with the English version which helps me to learn how to teach my Chinese painting class in English. I have not found a college-level teaching book better than this one in the field.

As a neophyte to Chinese calligraphy I'm finding this book to be a valuable resource. It gives a great overview of the subject as well providing a clear and concise method for practicing the techniques. It's fascinating to see how the Chinese characters have evolved as ideograms over the centuries. It has enhanced my appreciation for this art form. However, it is an introduction as stated through its title,not a substitute for instruction in my opinion. I personally plan to eventually seek out a teacher who can help me refine what learn through practicing these techniques. Conversely, I'm thrilled to have found this book and believe that it's a wonderful springboard for one to dive into this unique and beautiful art form.

I like this old a bit book not only because of its name value but very balanced view of auther on Chines art of calligraphy. I think this is a must have book if someone is going to study Chinese art beside the calligraphy and help understand Chinese art in general. It's proven by its 13th print in total.

A classic. I misplaced my original copy from years ago, so got this to replace it. There really aren't any calligraphy books out there that have a thoughful discussion of technique and the sample characters that he presented coincidentally corresponded mosly to those I was learning in class.

I greatly appreciated that this text was very approachable for a layperson. Parts did feel a bit silly, but I'm not a renowned expert in Chinese calligraphy so maybe that's because I didn't get it. In general this book was what I was looking for: a basic introduction to appreciating Chinese calligraphy.

Received in good condition. Almost like new. I love the book ! Have recommended to my friends.

nice book

While I think the book is awfully outdated it is required for my calligraphy class and fulfills that low bar. The book arrived before the scheduled time!

A superb book on the subject, one that first drew me into calligraphy in general. The beauty and therapeutic effect of calligraphy, particularly in the context of Chinese culture, is thoroughly demystified. The examples are well chosen, and the thesis of one physical/psychological state emerges in calligraphy, which probably seems obvious to many, only really became clear through reading this book (!) Obviously, I'm a fan, but I would recommend this book as a guide to Chinese calligraphy, and an inspiration to its positive effects.

I am a Chinese calligraphy beginner and wanted to get a book on the history, philosophy and basic techniques. This book is perfect!! I was apprehensive reading the first couple of chapters as others pointed out, this book dates from the 1930's. However, I found the references on how calligraphy was used to decorate the old Chinese homes and its significance to scholars/politicians of being successful and respected by others fascinating. The evolution and different styles of Chinese calligraphy over time is also very interesting. The chapters on techniques and aesthetic is not plainly instructional but aims to inspire one how to achieve the desired result of beauty and balance. The only thing I did not like was the quality of the stock paper and at times the pictorial examples seems a little blurred. However, I would still highly recommend this book for its excellent information and interesting read.

This is a history of calligraphy, describing the various styles, how the characters are formed. It also discusses Chinese painting and the origins of I Ching. There are some plates that you can cover with tracing paper/greaseproof paper for practice, but that is not what this book is designed for. I recommend it if you are new to Chinese calligraphy.

For my thesis. Very helpful

Very interesting book