The Art of Calligraphy in Modern China

by Gordon S. Barrass

Calligraphy is a defining feature of Chinese culture, both a means of communication and a revered form of art. It has changed more dramatically during the half century since Mao Zedong established the People's Republic in 1949 than over the preceding fifteen hundred years. At first the traditional art of calligraphy was transformed into an instrument of political power and protest, wielded on an unprecedented scale. Over the past three decades it has emerged as a more visually exciting modern genre, one that offers fascinating insights into the people of modern China.

For The Art of Calligraphy in Modern China, Gordon S. Barrass interviewed many prominent calligraphers. He focuses on twenty-five individuals who have been key figures in this process and who exemplify its main trends, from the grand tradition to the avant-garde. Lavishly illustrated, this sumptuous book charts the development of these calligraphers and makes their distinctive voices accessible to Western readers for the first time.

288 pages, Hardcover

First published May 8, 2002

Reviews

[T H]

Art > than the commentary

[Rebecca]

A really great detailed survey of calligraphy during the People's Republic of China. First, the author covers different genres of calligraphy, followed by a general history. Most of the book is short biographies of calligraphers from this era. I found the book to be a great, informative resource. My only complaint was some strange comments on the part of the author that detracted from the book as a whole, for example randomly commenting on Chen Yi's wife's undergarments.