9.3 Calligraphy styles and techniques

Korean calligraphy blends Chinese influence with unique Korean styles. It evolved from adopting Chinese characters to developing the Hangul alphabet, reflecting Korea's cultural and artistic traditions. Calligraphy in Korea goes beyond aesthetics, playing a crucial role in preserving heritage and transmitting cultural values.

Various styles emerged, from ancient seal script to fluid cursive forms. Traditional tools like brushes, ink, and Hanji paper are essential. Calligraphy techniques combine physical skill with artistic expression, emphasizing balance, composition, and the use of space in creating harmonious works.

Origins of Korean calligraphy

• Korean calligraphy emerged as a significant art form deeply rooted in the cultural and artistic traditions of East Asia
• Calligraphy in Korea developed alongside other visual arts, reflecting the aesthetic sensibilities and philosophical concepts of Korean society
• The art of calligraphy played a crucial role in preserving and transmitting Korean cultural heritage through written characters

Chinese influence on calligraphy

Top images from around the web for Chinese influence on calligraphy

• 

  A History of Graphic Design: Chapter 5 - Calligraphy in East Asia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Hanja - Wikipedia, den frie encyklopædi View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Han dynasty - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  A History of Graphic Design: Chapter 5 - Calligraphy in East Asia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Hanja - Wikipedia, den frie encyklopædi View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

Top images from around the web for Chinese influence on calligraphy

• 

  A History of Graphic Design: Chapter 5 - Calligraphy in East Asia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Hanja - Wikipedia, den frie encyklopædi View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Han dynasty - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  A History of Graphic Design: Chapter 5 - Calligraphy in East Asia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Hanja - Wikipedia, den frie encyklopædi View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

• Chinese writing system introduced to Korea during the Han Dynasty (206 BCE - 220 CE)
• Korean scholars adapted Chinese characters (Hanja) for writing Korean language
• Adoption of Chinese calligraphy styles and techniques (seal, clerical, regular, running, and cursive scripts)
• Korean calligraphers developed unique interpretations and regional styles of Chinese-derived scripts

Development of Hangul script

• Creation of Hangul alphabet by King Sejong the Great in 1443
• Hangul designed as a phonetic writing system to increase literacy among common people
• Initial resistance from elite scholars who favored Chinese characters
• Gradual integration of Hangul into calligraphic arts alongside Chinese characters
• Development of distinctive calligraphic styles for Hangul letters

Major calligraphy styles

• Korean calligraphy encompasses various styles derived from Chinese traditions and indigenous developments
• Each style possesses unique characteristics, reflecting different historical periods and aesthetic preferences
• Mastery of multiple styles demonstrates a calligrapher's versatility and skill in the art form

Seal script characteristics

• Oldest form of Chinese script adopted in Korean calligraphy
• Square, symmetrical characters with thick, evenly weighted strokes
• Often used for official seals, stamps, and formal inscriptions
• Conveys a sense of antiquity and authority in calligraphic works

Clerical script features

• Evolved from seal script during the Han Dynasty
• More rectangular and elongated characters compared to seal script
• Characterized by a distinctive "silkworm head and wild goose tail" stroke
• Frequently employed in government documents and formal writings

Regular script techniques

• Standard script developed during the Tang Dynasty (618-907 CE)
• Clear, legible characters with balanced proportions and structure
• Emphasis on precise brush control and stroke order
• Widely used in everyday writing and formal calligraphic compositions

Running script vs cursive script

• Running script (semi-cursive)
  • Faster execution of regular script with some connected strokes
  • Maintains legibility while allowing for more fluid expression
  • Popular for personal correspondence and artistic calligraphy
• Cursive script (grass script)
  • Highly abbreviated and stylized characters
  • Emphasizes speed and expressive brushwork
  • Requires extensive knowledge of character structure for reading and writing

Calligraphy tools and materials

• Traditional calligraphy tools in Korea collectively known as "문방사우" (munbang sau, four friends of the study)
• Proper selection and preparation of materials essential for achieving desired calligraphic effects
• Quality of tools and materials significantly impacts the final appearance of calligraphic works

Traditional brushes and ink

• Brushes (붓, but)
  • Made from animal hair (horse, wolf, rabbit) with bamboo or wooden handles
  • Various sizes and shapes for different calligraphic styles and effects
  • Proper care and storage crucial for maintaining brush quality
• Ink (먹, meok)
  • Traditional ink made from pine soot or oil soot mixed with animal glue
  • Solid ink sticks ground with water on an ink stone
  • Liquid bottled ink also used in modern practice

Types of paper for calligraphy

• Hanji (한지) traditional Korean paper
  • Made from mulberry bark fibers
  • Durable, absorbent, and resistant to deterioration
  • Various textures and weights for different calligraphic purposes
• Imported Chinese xuan paper also used by some calligraphers
• Modern papers developed for specific calligraphic techniques and styles

Ink stone preparation

• Ink stone (벼루, byeoru) used for grinding and mixing ink
• Made from various materials (slate, ceramic, stone) with different textures
• Proper cleaning and maintenance essential for consistent ink quality
• Grinding technique affects ink consistency and tone

Techniques and principles

• Calligraphy techniques in Korea combine physical skill with artistic expression and spiritual cultivation
• Mastery of fundamental principles allows calligraphers to develop their unique style and artistic voice
• Continuous practice and refinement of techniques essential for achieving high levels of artistry

Brush stroke fundamentals

• Proper brush grip and posture for controlled movements
• Eight basic strokes (팔법, palbeop) form the foundation of character writing
• Variation in pressure, speed, and angle to create different line qualities
• Importance of breath control and body coordination in executing strokes

Balance and composition

• Arrangement of characters within the overall composition
• Consideration of visual weight, spacing, and proportion between elements
• Use of asymmetry and dynamic balance in artistic calligraphy
• Importance of white space in creating harmonious compositions

Space and negative space

• Utilization of empty space (여백, yeobaek) as an integral part of the composition
• Balancing filled and empty areas to create visual interest and rhythm
• Negative space used to emphasize the form and energy of brushstrokes
• Concept of "painting the white" in leaving intentional spaces within characters

Famous Korean calligraphers

• Korean calligraphy has produced numerous renowned artists throughout history
• Calligraphers often held important positions in government and society
• Study of famous calligraphers' works essential for understanding the development of Korean calligraphic styles

Notable Goryeo dynasty calligraphers

• Choe Chung (최충, 984-1068) known for his mastery of various scripts
• Yi Yong (이용, 1269-1300) famed for his cursive script calligraphy
• Monk Gim Saeng (김생, 711-791) renowned for his Buddhist sutras and inscriptions

Joseon period masters

• Han Ho (한호, 1543-1605) developed the distinctive "Chusa" style
• Kim Jeong-hui (김정희, 1786-1856) creator of the "Chusa" style, blending scholarship and artistry
• Hwang Jeon (황전, 1602-1673) known for his bold and expressive brushwork

Modern calligraphy innovators

• Seo Jangsik (서장식, 1917-2016) pioneered abstract calligraphy in Korea
• Oh Junggeun (오정근, b. 1956) explores the fusion of traditional and contemporary styles
• Kang Byung-in (강병인, b. 1966) incorporates Hangul calligraphy into modern design and art

Cultural significance

• Calligraphy in Korea extends beyond artistic practice into various aspects of culture and society
• Serves as a medium for preserving and transmitting cultural values and knowledge
• Reflects the philosophical and spiritual dimensions of Korean intellectual traditions

Calligraphy in royal courts

• Official court calligraphers responsible for royal edicts and documents
• Calligraphy skills essential for success in civil service examinations
• Royal calligraphy collections preserved as national treasures
• Calligraphic inscriptions on palace buildings and monuments

Role in Confucian education

• Calligraphy practice integral to classical Confucian curriculum
• Copying of Confucian texts as a means of internalizing moral principles
• Emphasis on proper handwriting as reflection of personal cultivation
• Calligraphy competitions held among scholars and students

Calligraphy in Buddhist traditions

• Transcription of Buddhist sutras as a form of spiritual practice
• Calligraphic inscriptions in temples and on religious artifacts
• Zen (Seon) Buddhist tradition of spontaneous calligraphy as meditation
• Importance of calligraphy in creating talismans and religious texts

Contemporary Korean calligraphy

• Modern Korean calligraphy continues to evolve while maintaining connections to traditional practices
• Exploration of new mediums, techniques, and artistic expressions
• Growing international recognition of Korean calligraphy as a distinctive art form

Fusion of traditional and modern

• Incorporation of contemporary themes and subject matter in calligraphic works
• Experimentation with non-traditional materials and tools
• Blending of calligraphy with other visual arts (painting, sculpture, installation)
• Revival and reinterpretation of historical styles in modern contexts

Calligraphy in digital media

• Development of digital calligraphy tools and software
• Use of calligraphy in graphic design, typography, and branding
• Online platforms for sharing and learning calligraphy techniques
• Digital preservation and analysis of historical calligraphic works

Global recognition and exhibitions

• Increased presence of Korean calligraphy in international art exhibitions
• Collaborations between Korean and international calligraphers
• Growing market for Korean calligraphy in global art collections
• Cultural diplomacy through calligraphy exhibitions and workshops abroad

Preservation and transmission

• Efforts to preserve and promote Korean calligraphy as a living tradition
• Balancing preservation of historical techniques with innovation and adaptation
• Recognition of calligraphy's importance in maintaining Korean cultural identity

Calligraphy education in Korea

• Inclusion of calligraphy in school curricula at various levels
• Specialized calligraphy academies and university programs
• Apprenticeship systems for traditional calligraphy techniques
• Community centers and cultural institutions offering calligraphy classes

Museums and cultural institutions

• National Museum of Korea's extensive calligraphy collection
• Specialized calligraphy museums (Gansong Art Museum, Calligraphy Museum of Seoul Arts Center)
• Regular exhibitions and events showcasing historical and contemporary calligraphy
• Research and conservation efforts to preserve important calligraphic works

Intangible cultural heritage status

• Recognition of traditional Korean calligraphy as Intangible Cultural Heritage
• Government support for master calligraphers as "Living National Treasures"
• Documentation and preservation of rare calligraphic techniques
• Promotion of calligraphy as part of Korea's cultural heritage on the global stage