Gate to Chinese Calligraphy
Written by Guo Bonan
Translated by He Fei
Foreign Languages Press, Beijing, 1999
Paperback, 256mm x 186mm, 67 pages
ISBN 7119014358

Written Chinese developed from pictures drawn to record events. Generally speaking, over the last five thousand years writing styles have moved from complexity to greater simplicity, pacing changes in society. During this time calligraphy has been continually recreating itself, however, sprouting countless new permutations, becoming the singular and endlessly satisfying art that it is today.

The author of this book has devoted a lifetime to the study of Chinese culture, accumulating a profound and detailed understanding. In this work he provides a thoroughgoing and concisely systematic introduction to Chinese calligraphy, organizing his presentation around twelve approaches to the art, including history, aesthetics and the techniques used to hone the calligrapher's skills. Illustrated with scores of famous calligraphic works, this book provides an eminently functional guide to the appreciation of Chinese calligraphy.
Gate to Chinese Calligraphy

Contents

1. What is calligraphy?
2. Analysis of Chinese characters
3. Four treasures of the study
4. The way to hold the brush
5. Essentials of writing technique
6. Eight kinds of brush stroke
7. Seven sequential steps in writing strokes
8. Structure of Chinese characters-five essential points
9. Process of practicing handwriting
10. Elementary knowledge of rubbings from stone tablets
11. Origin of calligraphy
12. Changes in writing style