It is known, though, that the Lishu style, which is a clerical script that similar to modern character style, began during Quin Shi Huang’s reforms. By this time, the common writing instruments were brush and paper, therefore most of the documents from this time are lost and there are very few examples of the character’s style. Another complicating factor in the history of Chinese calligraphy and Chinese characters in general, is that most of the ancient Chinese kingdoms had their own set of characters, and it wasn’t until the Imperial era (200 BCE) when a more universal character system was put into place.Įmperor Qin Shi Huang began a writing reform in 220 BCE that helped create a list of 3,300 standard characters. The common practice was to paint the script onto shell or bone and later transfer it to the more permanent, carved medium. While there is evidence that paint and brush texts existed along with the carved texts, the painted texts have not survived. HistoryĪncient Chinese texts have been found made of characters carved into either ox hide or tortoise shells. This form of calligraphy is part of learning to be literate and does not hold itself to the high aesthetic standards of the yishu. Students and the elderly practice more basic-level calligraphy.

Highly skilled individuals who focus on the aesthetic principals of the written form practice the art of Chinese calligraphy, or yishu. The art of calligraphy originated in China and is locally called Shufa, which means, “the way/method/law of writing.” Chinese calligraphy is practiced as both an art form and as a means of learning self-discipline and control. There were several missionaries schools that taught English language and the time had come when traditional Chinese students started going abroad to study higher studies. This was the period when the culture of China started getting westernised.

In the Later Imperial China Western missionaries started coming to China for spreading Christanity.

This is so because during Ancient and Imperial China the various Dynasties followed the principles of Buddhism though there were few momentary disagreements. The Chinese Culture has been influenced by mainly Buddism and Christianity. However the evidence of first dynasty of China that is the Neolithic Dynasty shows its existence from 4000 B.C. The Chinese Civilization according to mythology is in existence from the time when Universe came in existence.

What font style denotes ancient chinese