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Chinese Calligraphy, Abstract Art, Mind Painting
by Ngan Siu-Mui

Chapter 6
Approach to Chinese Calligraphy through the Seal Script

Proper script for beginners

In chronological order of creation, calligraphy may be divided into seal, clerical, cursive, running and regular scripts. A beginner should first decide which calligraphy script to choose. Because of the overt exaggeration of their moving beauty, cursive and running scripts, attract a good number of persons, many of whom even attempt to adopt them to start learning calligraphy. However, since their brush techniques are complex, this is like trying to run before learning to walk, how, then, can one avoid falling down. Traditionally, there are two views on the proper calligraphy script for beginners: learning seal script vs. regular script. It is still undecided which is the right approach. As regular script is most complete in brush manipulation techniques and, as well, is the one practiced and used everyday, many beginners choose it. As a calligraphy teacher, I prefer the seal script in round strokes for beginners.

Seal script, the base

Ancient calligraphers often said that without some knowledge of the seal and clerical scripts, calligraphy could hardly reach the superior level, therefore, it is necessary to learn them. A good knowledge of brush manipulation is prerequisite for a beginner. Although the composition is unique in each of the five calligraphic scripts, they are inseparable in terms of the brush manipulation techniques. They all evolve into greater complexities from the brush techniques of seal script, that is: hidden, central and returned-strokes. All other calligraphic scripts are grounded on these techniques whose simplicity in brush handling enables the writing of round and powerful strokes without exposing angles. Moreover, it is also comparatively less varied in lifting and pressing during brush manipulation, and therefore is easily grasped by a beginner.

Regular script, difficult for beginners

Though complete in calligraphy techniques, the regular script is also complex and varied, and is therefore difficult for a beginner. Furthermore, in the olden days, the brush was used, not only in daily life but also in art creations, whereas nowadays, it is merely a tool for art. With little understanding of how to move the brush steadily, a beginner nowadays has to deal with such a variety of techniques. This leads to a confused and muddled idea about calligraphy techniques. The resulting strokes are complete in form, but dull in spirit. It is inconceivable that this calligraphy can reach the superior level.Therefore, practice seal script first, endeavoring to acquire a firm grasp of the brush manipulation, to be able to write round and powerful strokes, using the hidden, central and returned-stroke techniques. Then, there will be no problem learning any other calligraphy script. For example, with the spirit of the seal script, the running script will be sturdy and powerful; with the central-stroke of the seal script, the cursive script strokes will be graceful; and with the consolidation of the ideas in the seal and clerical scripts, the regular script can form both square and round strokes with ease.

Curvature of seal script

Furthermore, when lines are absolutely straight, they are dull and uninteresting. One of the main factors that dots and strokes in calligraphy are full of beauty lies in their appropriate curvature. All the five calligraphic scripts exhibit their unique curvature in different forms. Historically, famous calligraphers all possessed their distinctive styles of curvature. Thus, the implied elegance of curvature in seal script’s “straightness visible through curvature and curvature visible through straightness” is the best guideline in the practice of curvature.

Three-section method

Whether or not the different shapes of dots and lines are written in round, angular or a combination of both strokes, the “three-section method” is invariably used. This means that every stroke is written in three parts. It should be noticed however that the difference between angular and round strokes involves a consequential difference in the application of the three-section method. Following is a description of the three-section method in the round strokes of seal script:

hiddencentralreturnstroke

I. Hidden Stroke

For a horizontal stroke, if the intended direction is rightward, move slightly leftward first; while for a vertical stroke, if downward is intended, move slightly upward first. In either case, the tip always moves along the same straight line.

Furthermore, when starting a horizontal stroke, the top of the stem should be slightly inclined to the left (toward the top of the sheet for a vertical stroke), then move slightly leftward (towards the bottom of the sheet for a vertical stroke) to the starting point of the stroke, and finally press heavily to form a round dot. At the same time, the brush stem must be slanted so that, in a horizontal stroke, the top of the brush points to the left, whereas in a vertical one, it points upward. In this way, one can easily regulate the strength applied to the tip. This is the first section.

II. Central Stroke

Once a dot is formed by the hidden-stroke, lift the brush slightly, and with its hair spread out evenly, move forward to form a horizontal stroke. If moving downward, then form a vertical line. While moving, the tip should always be maintained at the same level, till it reaches the end of the strokes. This is the second section.

III. Returned Stroke

At the end of a stroke, lift the tip and rapidly bring it leftward for a horizontal stroke (upward for a vertical stroke), so as to return it to the stroke to make a round ending. This is the third section.

Making a Turn

turn

To turn a corner in the seal script, lift the brush slightly and use central-stroke to move forward.

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