110-187 Chinese Calligraphy

Formerly available as 110-047. Students who have completed 110-047 are not eligible to enrol in this subject.

This subject forms a practical introduction to the art of the Chinese writing brush. Students will be introduced to the care and use of writing brushes, inkstones, inkblocks, and paper - the four treasures of the scholar's studio, and will be given instruction on how to write Chinese characters with a brush, beginning with simple exercises on brushstrokes and graduating to 'standard script' (kaishu) and other styles. Lectures will cover the history of the Chinese writing system, the aesthetics of calligraphy, and the place of calligraphy in Chinese culture and society.

• acquire time management and planning skills through managing and organising workloads for recommended reading, essay and assignment completion;

• be able to show attention to detail;

• acquire written communication through essay writing.

A synopsis of 500 words 10% (due early semester), an essay of 750 words 15% (due during the examination period) and practical work 75% (due late semester).

• Kwo Da-Wei, Chinese Brushwork in Calligraphy and Painting. Dover Publication 1990.