Chinese calligraphy

At the luxury hotel in Alicante Asia Gardens Hotel & Thai Spa we keep discovering different Asian traditions and curiosities. Today we are travelling to China to talk to you about the ancient art of Chinese calligraphy.

Chinese calligraphy is considered both an art and a discipline. In China it occupies a distinguished position due to its ability to bring back emotions. Chinese people compare calligraphy with painting.

It has endured for over 3,000 years. The first Chinese characters were the ones inscribed on tortoise shells and animal bones, which are called Jiaguwen. According to tradition, Tsang Chieh, the legendary inventor of Chinese writing, was inspired by animals´ tracks on sand and mud to develop his discipline.

There are six different categories for Chinese characters, which are known as Liu Chu. They are: Hsiang hsing, Chih shih, Hui yi, Hsing sheng, Chia chieh y Chuan chu.

Through the basic tools known as “four treasures of study” or wen fang szu pao (writing brush, ink stick, paper and ink slab), Chinese calligraphers have been able to develop different and numerous writing styles. They can be classified in five groups: Chuan Shu, seal script; Hsing Shu, running hand; K’ai Shu, regular script; Li Shu, official script; y Ts’ao Shu, cursive hand.

Chinese calligraphy is one of the most representative disciplines in the field of traditional Chinese art. Chinese people of different social classes have collected calligraphy works for years. They consider that by practicing Chinese calligraphy people are able to refine their personalities and change their point of view.

At the 5 star resorts Asia Gardens Hotel & Thai Spa we adore Asia and its culture. If you would like to feel Asian tradition at first sight, come see us at our Asian spot in the Mediterranean.