Chinese Brushwork in Calligraphy and Painting: Its History, Aesthetics, and Techniques

by Kwo Da-Wei

"A volume of great value to the admirer of Chinese art that also contains much practical advice for the student." ― Library Journal
When 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.

Genres: Art, China, Reference

204 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 1990

Reviews

[Tam]

Kwo Da-Wei was an accomplished painter, still I was somewhat surprised by his self-assurance. But it's better than false humility so yeah. He had quite a few paintings of cats, just in case you are a cat lover.

I really like this book, it serves as a great introduction to Chinese calligraphy and painting, which are of course highly connected. Illustrations are plentiful, biased towards the works available in Taiwan for sure Many images of oracle bones, luckily, as they were shipped in large amount to Taiwan in 1949. The book covers painting a bit more, but the calligraphy section is treated carefully. I'm nurturing my appreciation of grass-style (草書) and it's not easy. But perhaps like Cubism, only when you actually try to emulate the style could you truly realize how hard it is to reach the balance and smoothness and beauty.

Best thing is that Kwo devotes an entire section describing stroke techniques, very lovely. (Tips: if you use Douyin, there are many amateur calligraphers on the platform posting videos of their writing process)

The only downside is I cannot read Wades Giles romanization...

[James · Rating 4 out of 5]

A comprehensive guide that emphasizes the close relation between painting and calligraphy brushwork, something that's missing in most books written in English. The evolution of the various schools of calligraphy and painting are analyzed for their impact on technique. The only downside is that being old, it uses Wade-Giles for romanization and only uses Chinese characters in the brief but useful glossary section and bibliography. Decently illustrated in black and white, this book is useful for Mandarin challenged advanced students of painting or calligraphy and is inexpensive in the second hand markets.