Traditional Chinese Calligraphy – Jinli, Chengdu, Sichuan, China

中文

Chinese calligraphy has been the medium for writing and communication for thousands of years.  Today, this method is no longer a necessity but a cultural aesthetic.  It has become one of the most valuable and elegant surviving Chinese traditional art.

With the emergence of computers, tablets and internet, the Chinese no longer write traditional way:  with calligraphy pen and ink.  Well, the truth is, no one really write anymore, most people type today, and not just the Chinese, we are talking about the whole world here.  It’s quite a magnificent transition really.

Writing with whatever kind of pens today has became a hobby, and for the traditional Chinese calligraphy writing, it has also became a method of mind and body training, a kind of meditation.

Chinese calligraphy requires a certain disciplines, and great focus and concentration to properly performing it.  As evidence shown from the above gentlemen, his focus and question is unquestionable!  Perhaps his dedication is hurting him a little?  Look at that painful facial expression  :)

Jinli is a very busy and noisy place, no problem for this guy though, he just ignore everything and focus on his writing.  I bet he can  hundreds of calligraphy arts a day.  I am no expert in Chinese calligraphy, but from what I can see, he is pretty good.  Hey, the best way to train  is to put yourself in a situation that most unsuitable situation right?  Think about it, if you can produce good work in this kind of environment, you can produce good work in any environment.

Chinese calligraphy is still highly appreciated by the by the public and still demands high market value.  People, especially knowledgeable collectors, are always in the lookout for good pieces to add to their collection.  A master piece produce by a Chinese calligraphy master can often be sold for sky rocketing numbers.  Of course, the true priceless pieces are those produced by historical characters such as famous poets, generals and emperors, like the one in the above photos.

Chinese calligraphy is part of the Chinese life today, you can catch it everywhere in China.  Pupils learn it in schools, adults take-up on it to practice patients and focus, and the general public uses it to decorates.  At least we can take comfort in knowing that Chinese calligraphy will not be one of those disappearing cultural arts.

/Lumaca Moderno

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*Jinli is a popular tourist attraction spot in Chengdu, Sichuan China.