Calligraphy in China's Intangible Cultural Heritage

The introduction of Chinese calligraphy

Calligraphy originated in China, with a history dating back about 5,000 years. The earliest inscribed symbols of Chinese characters appeared in the Cishan-Peiligang culture and Yangshao culture in the Yellow River basin. Chinese calligraphy is a unique artistic form,When Chinese artists write Chinese characters, they mainly choice these tools to write:Chinese brush, ink, paper, and ink stone, through specific stylish and artistic techniques and also seeking the harmonious unity of form, spirit, and intention in they mind,all these constituted Chinese calligraphy . In the early period, oracle bone inscriptions, bronze inscriptions, Zhou script, and seal script were the main style of calligraphy, after, seal script, clerk's script, regular script, running script, and cursive script are the popular style nowadays . Each style possesses its own distinct characteristics and flavor, representing the artistic achievements of different historical periods.Calligraphy requires accurate character forms, orderly structures, neat strokes, and at the same time expresses the artist's personality and emotions. Each stroke requires careful consideration and repeated refinement to achieve fine ink lines, smooth strokes, and a harmony of form and spirit. On September 30, 2009, at the Fourth Session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage held in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, Chinese calligraphy was inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. This initiative greatly enhanced the international status and influence of Chinese calligraphy art. To protect and transmit this valuable intangible cultural heritage, the Chinese government and various sectors of society have taken various measures, including establishing representative lists of intangible cultural heritage projects, strengthening the construction of inheritor teams, promoting calligraphy education, and organizing calligraphy exhibitions and competitions to allow more people to understand and appreciate the charm of Chinese calligraphy.

Historical Development of Calligraphy

From Pre-Qin to Han Dynasties: During the Pre-Qin period, Chinese characters underwent evolution through a very long time, tooracle bone inscriptions, bronze inscriptions (inscriptions on bells and tripods), large seal script, and small seal script are the earlier forms. After,emperor Qin Shi Huang ordered to unify the writing system, small seal script became the official script, with Li Si and others standardizing the characters. Time came to the Han Dynasty, clerk script gradually matured as the official standard script, and cursive script also began to rise.

Wei-Jin, Northern, and Southern Dynasties: Calligraphy art entered a new realm of development during this period, especially for regular script, running script, and cursive script. The emergence of calligraphers like Wang Xizhi brought calligraphy art to a brilliant level, and their works became models for later generations to learn from.

Sui and Tang Dynasties: The Tang Dynasty was another high level in the history of Chinese calligraphy, with significant developments in regular script, running script, and cursive script. The works of calligraphers have been handed down to this day, exerting a profound influence on later generations.

Song, Yuan, Ming, and Qing Dynasties: Song Dynasty, calligraphy  was different,again. Some famous calligraphers like Su Shi and Huang Tingjian start to focus on their own styles. In the Yuan Dynasty, Zhao Mengfu represented a trend of following ancient methods and respecting the styles of Wang Xizhi and Wang Xianzhi. The Ming and Qing dynasties saw diverse calligraphy schools, with both inheritors of ancient styles and daring innovators.

Famous Calligraphy Works in Chinese History

《The Orchid Pavilion Preface》 by Wang Xizhi of the Eastern Jin Dynasty
Known as the "Greatest Masterpiece of Running Script in the World," it is renowned for its exquisite calligraphy art. With 28 lines and 324 characters, it is written with ease and composure, embodying the spirit of the writer. Each character "floats like a cloud, graceful like a dragon, with waves and clouds changing endlessly," revolutionizing the simple and steady style of Han and Wei dynasties and initiating a new trend of elegance and fluidity. It not only reflects Wang Xizhi's calligraphy achievements but also embodies the profound insights of literati and scholars in the Wei and Jin dynasties towards nature and life.
Current Status: The original work is lost, but the Fong Chengsu's "double-lined tracing" facsimile is the most famous, now housed in the Forbidden City Museum in Beijing.

《The Sacrifice to My Nephew's Scroll》 by Yan Zhenqing of the Tang Dynasty
Known as the "Second Greatest Masterpiece of Running Script in the World," its emotions fluctuate throughout the text, with the brush following the heart, without premeditation, and written in one breath. The handwriting sometimes condenses, sometimes flows freely, fully demonstrating Yan Zhenqing's artistic creativity under grief and indignation. This work is not only Yan's masterpiece but also a valuable historical document recording a tragic period of the An Lushan Rebellion, reflecting the sorrow and indignation of loyal martyrs.
Current Status: It is housed in the National Palace Museum in Taipei.

《The Inscription on the Jiuchenggong Liquan Inscription》 by Ouyang Xun of the Tang Dynasty
Known as the "Greatest Masterpiece of Regular Script in the World," it is famous for its rigorous structure and refined strokes. The font is square and strong, fully demonstrating Ouyang Xun's unique style of regular script. As one of the Tang Dynasty's representative works of regular script, Jiuchenggong Liquan Inscription has had a profound impact on later generations' calligraphy and is a model for beginners in calligraphy.
Current Status: The original stele is housed in the Linyou County Museum in Shaanxi Province.

《The Autobiography Scroll》 by Huai Su of the Tang Dynasty
Known as the "Greatest Masterpiece of Cursive Script in the World," it is renowned for its wild and flowing brush strokes, unpredictable techniques, and written in one continuous flow like clouds and water. As we know that this art work is one of the effects change the calligraphy till today.

Current Status: The original is kept in the Museum in Taipei.

Popular Calligraphy Attractions in China

Beijing city - The Forbidden City Museum
Recommendation: The Forbidden City Museum has a huge collection of over 100,000 calligraphy inscriptions and rubbings, spanning from the Pre-Qin period to the modern era, covering almost all important calligraphers' works. Wang Xun's Bo Yuan Tie, Wang Xianzhi's Zhong Qiu Tie, and the "double-lined tracing" Lan Ting Xu art works are eagerly sought after by calligraphy enthusiasts. Know you will know, how The Forbidden City Museum make every visitors can feel the charm of calligraphy art up close.

Xi'an city - Xi'an Forest of Steles
Recommendation: Xi'an Forest of Steles is known as the "paradise" of Chinese steles and epitaphs and a haven for lovers of regular script. It houses numerous famous works, such as Cao Quan Bei, Ouyang Xun's Huangfu Dan Bei, Yan Zhenqing's Duotaoba Stele, and Liu Gongquan's Xuanmita Stele. These steles not only showcase the evolution of regular script but also allow visitors to appreciate the unique styles and artistic charm of different calligraphers.

Shanghai city- Shanghai Museum
Recommendation: Shanghai Museum preserves the earliest rubbing collection of Chinese calligraphy, Chunhua Ge Tie, a must-see treasure for calligraphy enthusiasts. Additionally, the museum collects works by famous calligraphers such as Wang Xizhi, Zhao Mengfu, Wen Zhengming, and Dong Qichang, providing visitors with an excellent opportunity to comprehensively understand the history of Chinese calligraphy. Here, visitors can appreciate calligraphy works from different historical periods, experiencing the diversity and richness of calligraphy art.

Guilin city- Guilin Stone Carvings
Recommendation: Guilin is famous for its scenery, and its stone carvings are also exceptional. Among the cliff inscriptions in Guilin, visitors can admire works by ancient calligraphers such as Yan Zhenqing and Liu Gongquan of the Tang Dynasty. These stone carvings not only record the beautiful scenery of Guilin but also showcase the artistic talent and unique styles of ancient calligraphers. For calligraphy enthusiasts and nature lovers, Guilin is a destination not to be missed.

Chengdu city- Wuhou Temple
Recommendation: Wuhou Temple houses many inscriptions, including works by famous calligraphers. These inscriptions not only have historical value but are also a must-see for calligraphy enthusiasts. Here, visitors can appreciate the different styles of calligraphers, feeling the charm and rhyme of calligraphy art. Meanwhile, as a representative of the Three Kingdoms culture, Wuhou Temple also provides visitors with an opportunity to understand the history and culture of the Three Kingdoms.

Hangzhou city - Xiling Seal Society
Recommendation: Xiling Seal Society is one of the oldest, most accomplished, and influential academic groups studying the history of seal cutting and inscription in China, known as the "First Famous Society Under Heaven." Here, visitors can admire works by many seal cutting masters, feeling the unique charm and profound heritage of seal cutting art. At the same time, Xiling Seal Society also carries a rich calligraphy culture, allowing visitors to appreciate the profoundness of calligraphy art while enjoying seal cutting works.

Yunnan province· Er Cuan Steles

Recommendation Reason: The Cuan Baozi Stele and the Cuan Longyan Stele, collectively known as the "Er Cuan Steles," are renowned steles in Yunnan and treasures in the history of Chinese calligraphy. Their unique calligraphy style possesses high artistic value and research significance. For calligraphy enthusiasts and lovers of history and culture, the "Er Cuan Steles" are indispensable attractions. Here, visitors can appreciate the unique calligraphy style and profound historical and cultural heritage of the Yunnan region.

Mount Huang Shan · Mount Huang Shan Cliff Inscriptions

Recommendation Reason: Mount Huang Shan is famous for its odd pines, grotesque rocks, sea of clouds, and hot springs, but its cliff inscriptions are also a major highlight. On the cliffs, visitors can see many works by ancient calligraphers. These inscriptions has record the beautiful scenery and human history and explained artistic talent and unique style of ancient calligraphers. For calligraphy enthusiasts and lovers of natural landscapes, here is a tourist destination worth visiting.

Tibet · Potala Palace

Recommendation Reason: The Potala Palace is not only one of the landmark buildings in Tibet but also a treasure trove of calligraphy art. On the walls and in the scriptures of the Potala Palace, visitors can see many exquisite calligraphy works. These works not only possess religious significance and historical and cultural value but are also treasures of calligraphy art. Here, visitors can appreciate the unique style and charm of Tibetan calligraphy, feeling the perfect integration of calligraphy art and religious culture.

Postscript

For friends who are passionate about calligraphy, the aforementioned calligraphy intangible cultural heritage attractions are like living "calligraphy universities," hiding endless knowledge and inspiration. Imagine standing in front of those masterpieces personally, as if engaging in a heart-to-heart conversation with the masters across time and space. Every stroke, every structure, seems to be telling the mysteries of calligraphy, allowing people to master techniques and comprehend the essence subtly. Such an experience undoubtedly ignites the flame of creation in one's heart, letting enthusiasm burn fiercely.

Moreover, in these calligraphy holy sites, you can also meet fellow calligraphy enthusiasts. Everyone sits together, shares insights, and encourages each other. That atmosphere of common progress is more effective than any catalyst.

Even better, these calligraphy attractions often go hand in hand with historic and cultural cities and famous scenic spots, forming moving pictures. Walking here, you can not only immerse yourself in the artistic ocean of calligraphy but also simultaneously enjoy the magnificent work of nature and the profound heritage of human history. Such a trip is simply a dual feast for the soul and body, allowing people to enhance their cultural literacy and aesthetic ability quietly while enjoying the beautiful scenery.

If you have the chance, don't miss the invitation of these calligraphy intangible cultural heritage attractions. Go for a walk and a look. You'll definitely return with full harvests and emotions!