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Strokes of genius endow local heritage
By Tan Weiyun |
January 15, 2013, Tuesday
|
Print Edition
Print Edition
WHEN Lu Ji finished the last stroke of the calligraphic work "The Story of Ping Fu" more than 1,700 years ago, the master couldn't have imagined that his 84-character piece would become a classic now regaled as the start of new era of Chinese calligraphy.
The Songjiang native would no doubt also be pleased to see that his hometown is now considered "the cradle of calligraphy" - home to brush-writing professionals and amateurs of all ages.
Songjiang was recently listed among this nation's "Cities of Calligraphy" by the Chinese Calligraphers Association, a great honor and another opportunity to promote the ancient art form among a modern-day population.
"Chinese calligraphy is deeply rooted in the soil of Songjiang, and it deserves the title," said Sheng Qingqing, a presidium member of the Songjiang Calligraphers Association. "The district is home to a number of famous calligraphy masters, not only Lu Ji."
The southwestern district of Shanghai is, in fact, star-studded with brush-writing and painting masters, including Dong Qichang and Chen Meigong from the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), and Zhang Zhao from the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). Another influential calligrapher, Zhao Mengfu (1254-1322), lived in Songjiang for many years.
Public parks, museums and libraries in the district bear testament to this rich cultural heritage. In addition to permanent pieces of art works, special exhibitions are hosted the year round.
Increasing aficionados
The local calligraphers' group has documented 283 calligraphy masters since the Jin Dynasty (AD 265-420). They have contributed treasured works, including stone inscriptions and book dedications.
The Songjiang Calligraphers Association has expanded from about 20 members when it was founded in 1984 to almost 200 today. Among them, 52 people are members of the Chinese Calligraphers Association.
In nationwide competitions, Songjiang artists always distinguish themselves and take home awards. Since 2000, they have won 460 city-level or above competitions, and more than 150 have held nationally acclaimed exhibitions.
Last year, calligraphy aficionados in the district set up the Songjiang Calligraphy Journal, a four-page, bimonthly publication that is delivered to more than 40,000 households. The journal provides a platform for those interested in brush-writing to exchange views, learn about events and see photos of classical pieces.
"In addition, we have a column about writing technique, calligraphy history and masterpiece appreciation," Sheng said. "We have a page for amateurs, who are encouraged to send their works to us. We publish the good ones."
The newspaper is interactive with www.sjsfxh.cn, the official website opened in 2008 by the association.
"I don't know how to calculate the hits we get, but one investor offered a high price to buy the website," Sheng said. "We refused because we aren't in this to make money."
During each Spring Festival, Songjiang calligraphers write free chunlian, or festival couplets, for people to display on their doors as a good omen for the new year.
The district's fame in calligraphy attracts practitioners from far and wide, who come for training, socializing and regional contests.
Calligraphy education is taught in district schools, from the elementary level through higher education. More than 90 percent of courses are taught by professional calligraphers.
The Songjiang Youth Activities Center has more than 200 young promising amateurs who practice calligraphy every week. In addition, almost 1,000 Songjiang locals are active in more than 40 calligraphy salons in towns, villages, communities and in continuing education courses for the elderly.
Star in the park
One of them is 70-year-old Xia Xuesong, who lives in the Fangta Community and practices calligraphy every morning in Zuibai Pond Park with a 1.2-meter-long brush he made himself.
Xia dips his brush in water and writes on the stone ground for about one hour each day.
"I'm a star, of sorts, in the park because I am always surrounded by crowds," he said, with a smile. "I quite enjoy the attention. Calligraphy helps exercise my muscles greatly and enhance my body coordination."
The park has refashioned itself as a major calligraphy site in the district. Much of its art collection, including stone carvings and wooden inscriptions, is on exhibit, and an area of the central square is dedicated as a "calligraphy grounds" where amateurs can unfurl their xuanzhi art paper and do brush strokes.
It's estimated that Songjiang has devoted about 10,000 square meters of public space to calligraphy practice and exhibitions.
The Songjiang Library hosts free lectures on calligraphy every two months. Topics range from appreciation of ancient works to learning brush-stroke skills.
In 2009, a special foundation was set up by the government to promote all aspects of calligraphy.
"We have nurtured a great environment for calligraphy to flourish in the district," said Sheng, who has been doing calligraphy for 40 years.
"We do this," he said, "out of a sense of duty to preserve and carry forward our glorious heritage to younger generations. We can't let our ancestors down."
Lu Ji would no doubt be pleased to hear that.
The Songjiang native would no doubt also be pleased to see that his hometown is now considered "the cradle of calligraphy" - home to brush-writing professionals and amateurs of all ages.
Songjiang was recently listed among this nation's "Cities of Calligraphy" by the Chinese Calligraphers Association, a great honor and another opportunity to promote the ancient art form among a modern-day population.
"Chinese calligraphy is deeply rooted in the soil of Songjiang, and it deserves the title," said Sheng Qingqing, a presidium member of the Songjiang Calligraphers Association. "The district is home to a number of famous calligraphy masters, not only Lu Ji."
The southwestern district of Shanghai is, in fact, star-studded with brush-writing and painting masters, including Dong Qichang and Chen Meigong from the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), and Zhang Zhao from the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). Another influential calligrapher, Zhao Mengfu (1254-1322), lived in Songjiang for many years.
Public parks, museums and libraries in the district bear testament to this rich cultural heritage. In addition to permanent pieces of art works, special exhibitions are hosted the year round.
Increasing aficionados
The local calligraphers' group has documented 283 calligraphy masters since the Jin Dynasty (AD 265-420). They have contributed treasured works, including stone inscriptions and book dedications.
The Songjiang Calligraphers Association has expanded from about 20 members when it was founded in 1984 to almost 200 today. Among them, 52 people are members of the Chinese Calligraphers Association.
In nationwide competitions, Songjiang artists always distinguish themselves and take home awards. Since 2000, they have won 460 city-level or above competitions, and more than 150 have held nationally acclaimed exhibitions.
Last year, calligraphy aficionados in the district set up the Songjiang Calligraphy Journal, a four-page, bimonthly publication that is delivered to more than 40,000 households. The journal provides a platform for those interested in brush-writing to exchange views, learn about events and see photos of classical pieces.
"In addition, we have a column about writing technique, calligraphy history and masterpiece appreciation," Sheng said. "We have a page for amateurs, who are encouraged to send their works to us. We publish the good ones."
The newspaper is interactive with www.sjsfxh.cn, the official website opened in 2008 by the association.
"I don't know how to calculate the hits we get, but one investor offered a high price to buy the website," Sheng said. "We refused because we aren't in this to make money."
During each Spring Festival, Songjiang calligraphers write free chunlian, or festival couplets, for people to display on their doors as a good omen for the new year.
The district's fame in calligraphy attracts practitioners from far and wide, who come for training, socializing and regional contests.
Calligraphy education is taught in district schools, from the elementary level through higher education. More than 90 percent of courses are taught by professional calligraphers.
The Songjiang Youth Activities Center has more than 200 young promising amateurs who practice calligraphy every week. In addition, almost 1,000 Songjiang locals are active in more than 40 calligraphy salons in towns, villages, communities and in continuing education courses for the elderly.
Star in the park
One of them is 70-year-old Xia Xuesong, who lives in the Fangta Community and practices calligraphy every morning in Zuibai Pond Park with a 1.2-meter-long brush he made himself.
Xia dips his brush in water and writes on the stone ground for about one hour each day.
"I'm a star, of sorts, in the park because I am always surrounded by crowds," he said, with a smile. "I quite enjoy the attention. Calligraphy helps exercise my muscles greatly and enhance my body coordination."
The park has refashioned itself as a major calligraphy site in the district. Much of its art collection, including stone carvings and wooden inscriptions, is on exhibit, and an area of the central square is dedicated as a "calligraphy grounds" where amateurs can unfurl their xuanzhi art paper and do brush strokes.
It's estimated that Songjiang has devoted about 10,000 square meters of public space to calligraphy practice and exhibitions.
The Songjiang Library hosts free lectures on calligraphy every two months. Topics range from appreciation of ancient works to learning brush-stroke skills.
In 2009, a special foundation was set up by the government to promote all aspects of calligraphy.
"We have nurtured a great environment for calligraphy to flourish in the district," said Sheng, who has been doing calligraphy for 40 years.
"We do this," he said, "out of a sense of duty to preserve and carry forward our glorious heritage to younger generations. We can't let our ancestors down."
Lu Ji would no doubt be pleased to hear that.
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