Synopses & Reviews
"A volume of great value to the admirer of Chinese art that also contains much practical advice for the student."―
Library JournalWhen this book was first published, there were few if any important studies dealing with Chinese brushwork and its crucial role in Chinese art. The present volume, by a noted scholar, calligrapher, and artist, was the first significant treatment of the topic and remains among the foremost works devoted to the history, aesthetics, and techniques of the brush―the single most important tool in Chinese fine art.
The author begins by tracing the historical development of techniques and styles evolved by Chinese masters from the 14th century B.C. to the present. An in-depth explanation of Chinese aesthetic concepts and criteria follows, enhanced by the author's perceptive personal insights in such matters as line, form, space consciousness, and composition. A final section provides a valuable introduction to the materials, technical principles, and major brush strokes of Chinese painting and calligraphy. Techniques are demonstrated in numerous illustrations, including examples of the author's own highly respected work and painting and calligraphy from ancient and modern times.
Also included among more than 200 illustrations and photographs are a map of ancient China, chronological charts of calligraphic styles and dominant painting subjects, as well as a glossary of major terms in English and Chinese.
Dr. Kwo has exhibited his paintings at museums and art galleries throughout the world and has taught Chinese brushwork extensively in colleges and universities in both China and the United States. For students of art, for painters and calligraphers―for anyone eager to approach Chinese art from a fresh and rewarding perspective―his book is must reading.
Unabridged Dover (1990) republication of the edition published under the title Chinese Brushwork: Its History, Aesthetics, and Techniques by Allanheld & Schram, Montclair, New Jersey, 1981.
Synopsis
Master artist, teacher and scholar traces historical development of techniques and styles from 14th century BC to present; analyzes aesthetic concepts, criteria, and schools associated with specific aesthetic qualities; and provides comprehensive, in-depth guide to materials, technical principles, and major brush strokes.
Synopsis
Comprehensive volume traces historical development of techniques and styles evolved by Chinese masters since the 14th century, analyzes aesthetic concepts, and provides information on materials, technical principles, and brush strokes.
Description
Includes bibliographical references (p. 193-199) and index.
Table of Contents
List of Illustrations
Preface
Map of Ancient China
Part One THE HISTORICAL DEVELOPMENT OF THE ART OF BRUSHWORK
CHAPTER ONE
Archaic Period
NEOLITHIC DESIGNS
HSIANG HSING WEN TZE OR IDEOGRAMS
CHAPTER TWO
Germinant Period
SHELL AND BONE STYLE
GREATER CHUAN
CHAPTER THREE
Ripening Period
LESSER CHUAN: SEAL STYLE
LI
CHANG TSAO
CHAPTER FOUR
Flourishing Period
KAI
HSING
TSAO OR GRASS
Part Two AESTHETICS OF BRUSHWORK
CHAPTER FIVE
Aesthetic Roots
TAOISM
CONFUCIANISM
BUDDHISM
CHAPTER SIX
Aesthetic Components
FORM
LINE
SPACE-CONSCIOUSNESS
COMPOSITION
CHAPTER SEVEN
Aesthetic Standards
CH'I YUEN
YA AND SU
SHENG AND SHU
CHIAO AND CHUO
SHU CHUAN CH'I OR LITERARY FLAVOR
CHUNG AND DA
BRUSHWORK AND INK
CHAPTER EIGHT
Styles in Painting and Calligraphy
PAINTING
CALLIGRAPHY
A SURVEY OF STYLES
Part Three THE TECHNIQUES OF CHINESE BRUSHWORK
CHAPTER NINE
The Tools of Brushwork
THE BRUSH
THE PAPER
THE INK
THE INKSTONE
THE STUDY
CHAPTER TEN
Holding the Brush
CHAPTER ELEVEN
Body Movement in Using the Brush
CHAPTER TWELVE
Three Fundamental Principles of Brushwork
MOISTURE
PRESSURE
SPEED
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
Two Major Angles of the Brush
POSITION ANGLE
MOVING ANGLE
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
The Principal Brush Strokes and Their Application in Painting and Calligraphy
"CENTER BRUSH, CHUNG FENG"
"PULLING BRUSH, TUO PI"
"POINT BRUSH, CHIEN PI"
"SIDE BRUSH, PIAN FENG"
"DRY BRUSH, KU PI"
"SPLIT BRUSH, PO PI"
TURNING AND FOLDING BRUSH
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
Principal Ways of Using the Ink
"SIDE-INK, PIEN MO"
PO'MO OR WASH
PO MO OR LAYERS OF INK
MO GU OR NON-BONE TREATMENT
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
"Pi Li, or Strength of the Line"
ELASTICITY
The Role of the Seal (Yin) in Painting and Calligraphy
Conclusion
Appendix: Chronological Charts
I. CHRONOLOGICAL PERIODS
II. CHRONOLOGICAL TABLE OF CALLIGRAPHIC STYLES
III. CHRONOLOGICAL TABLE OF DOMINANT PAINTING SUBJECTS
Major Terms Found in the Text
Bibliography
Index