Chinese calligraphy is not only a written language, it is a magnificent and beautiful expression of art through a series of perfect brush movements. Mostly unintelligible to non-Chinese speaking people, it nevertheless retains a sense of artistry that makes it much sought after as an art form. The Chinese actually thought of their calligraphy as the supreme art form and even more lofty than sculpture, painting or lacquerware. Able to express ideals and feelings that other art forms could not, many took up the brush in the hopes of creating the perfect calligraphy masterpiece.

The art of Chinese calligraphy was so important to the people of past dynasties, that scholars had to practice and master it before they could graduate. A good work of calligraphy does not only possess beauty, but an emotional and spiritual feeling as well. As one Chinese historian from long ago put it, “calligraphy is like images devoid of sound, form or music.” Many calligraphy works were painted as hanging wall scrolls. These scrolls were mounted on walls for decoration, inspiration and wisdom. Many of these scrolls had profound yet simple sayings, such as love, good fortune, health and prosperity, etc.

Many of today’s Chinese art works have calligraphy somewhere on them, even if the main image is a painting. It was also important for the artist to have a seal to be recognized. Many of the seals were done in Chinese calligraphy. Today many people still buy and display Chinese art and calligraphy in their homes and businesses, enjoying the wisdom and beauty of this several thousand year old tradition.