New Course: Gradute Seminar in Methods of Calligraphy, Spring 2009

A survey of the more important texts explicating the practice and theory of calligraphy, examining their contents in the context of close examination of selected available works drawn largely from one or two private collections in Southern California.

AH 260     The Methods of Calligraphy                  Spring 2009

            Professor Peter C. Sturman      sturman@arthistory.ucsb.edu

This seminar will focus on Chinese calligraphy of the Ming and Qing dynasties and examine the relationship between texts explicating the practice and theory of calligraphy and the graphic record as exemplified by extant works of major masters. Like poetry, calligraphy evolved into a highly self-reflexive art form in late dynastic China, informed by a well-established canon and challenged by the difficulties of trying to match the achievements of the past. A number of texts were produced that are unprecedented in their concentrated examination of the methods and aesthetics of the art of writing. The goal of the seminar will be to survey the more important of these texts and examine their contents in the context of close examination of selected available works drawn largely from one or two private collections in Southern California. The first part of the seminar will survey some of the recent scholarship on Chinese calligraphy and establish the necessary background for research into Ming and Qing writing. Reading ability of Chinese is necessary and some experience with classical Chinese is desired. Students must obtain instructor approval to take this seminar.

Published: Tuesday, February 03, 2009