文化 | Chinese Calligraphy

文房四宝（wén fáng sì bǎo）：Four Treasures of the Study

笔（bǐ），墨（mò），纸（zhǐ），砚（yàn）。

As Chinese, we are quite familiar with the Chinese calligraphy, especially the wén fáng sì bǎo (Four Treasures of the Study). Here in this article, you are going to read about the major information in English, especially the information of Chinese calligraphy on the list of the UNESCO intangible cultural heritage (联合国教科文组织非物质文化遗产名录).

1. Brief description:

Chinese calligraphy is an artistic practice that, while fulfilling the practical function of information exchange through writing Chinese characters with brushes, ink, and paper as the main tools and materials, conveys human contemplation of nature, society and life and thus reflects the unique character, spirit, temperament, interest, and way of thinking of the Chinese people through special graphic symbols and writing rhythms. Along with the appearance and evolution of Chinese characters, Chinese calligraphy has developed for more than 3,000 years and become a symbol of Chinese culture.

2500 years ago, we ancient Chinese people invented writng brush  which consists of a penholder made of bamboo and a brush at the end.

2. Four Treasures of the Study

The writing brush, with other three things (inkstick, paper, inkstand), is called  Four Treasures of the Study.

墨（mò）: inkstick. This inkstick is different from the fluid ink that  we are familiar with. The inkstick used in the ancient time is solid, shaped in a stick. Before people wrote, they should hold one end of it and grind the other end in the inkstand with water. After a while, fluid ink would be ground out.

纸（zhǐ）: paper. The paper used in that period was  thick so that it could hold the ink.

砚（yàn）: inkstand, a container to grind and hold fluid ink. Now, writing brush is more of a drawing tool than a writing tool, so inkstand is not used widely now. Both in the past and at present, an exquisite inkstand is regarded as a classic decoration for a house.

However, it is never an easy thing to write with a writing brush.

The right way to hold it may drive you crazy, though you may feel a little interested initially.

3. On the UNESCO list

The following is the 

Decision of the Intergovernmental Committee: 4.COM 13.08, which inscribed (刻; 题写; 列入) Chinese calligraphy on the list of the UNESCO intangible cultural heritage (联合国教科文组织非物质文化遗产名录).

The Committee,

1. Takes note that China has nominated Chinese calligraphy for inscription on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, described as follows:

Chinese calligraphy has always been more than simply a tool for communication, incorporating as it does the element of artistry for which the practice is still valued in an age of ballpoint pens and computers. Indeed, calligraphy is no longer the basic tool of intellectuals and officials but has become the preserve of professional artisans and amateur enthusiasts. Whether they are recording information or simply creating beautiful forms, calligraphers’ brushes are used to ink five different styles of script, known as ‘seal’, ‘official’, ‘cursive’, ‘running’ and ‘regular’. The art may appear on any writing surface – even the rocky walls of cliffs – but it is especially common on letters, scrolls, works of literature and fan coverings. Today, in addition to traditional master-apprentice instruction, calligraphy is also taught at school. Many ceremonies that mark national celebrations and religious rituals incorporate the practice and calligraphy has itself proved influential on modern art, architecture and design. In its distinctive Chinese form, calligraphy offers an important channel for the appreciation of traditional culture and for arts education. It is also a source of pride and pleasure for the Chinese people and embodies important aspects of the country’s intellectual and artistic heritage.

1. Decides that, from the information provided in Nomination File 【提名文件】00216, Chinese calligraphy satisfies the criteria 【标准】 for inscription 【题字，纳入】 on the Representative List, as follows:

R.1:   The art of Chinese calligraphy is recognized by its practitioners as a symbol of their identity and is passed on from generation to generation;

R.2:   Inscription of the element on the Representative List would contribute to the visibility of intangible cultural heritage and promote respect for cultural diversity and creativity, expressed in the richness of the symbols used in Chinese calligraphy;

R.3:   Various safeguarding measures have already been implemented 【实现, 执行】and a range of measures are proposed, including educational, promotional and research activities;

R.4:   The practitioners of calligraphy participated in the nomination process through joint meetings of the two main practitioner associations;

R.5:   The element is inscribed on the National List of Intangible Cultural Heritage administered by the Department of Intangible Cultural Heritage of the Ministry of Culture.

1. Inscribes Chinese calligraphy on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

NOTES:

grind  [graɪnd]

n.  磨, 研磨;

UNESCO, Unesco /juːˈnes.kəʊ/ US /-koʊ/

group noun [U]
ABBREVIATION FOR United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization: a department of the United Nations which aims to encourage peace between countries through education, science and culture

intangible /ɪnˈtæn.dʒɪ.bļ/

adjective
(1) Something that is intangible is abstract or is hard to define or measure. 

(2) An intangible feeling or quality exists but you cannot describe it exactly or prove it:

【难以明了的; 无形的】

China has nominated (提名) tai chi to be included in the UNESCO List of Intangible Cultural Heritage.

heritage /ˈher.ɪ.tɪdʒ/ US /-ţɪdʒ/

noun [U]
features belonging to the culture of a particular society, such as traditions, languages or buildings, which still exist from the past and which have a historical importance: 【遗产】
The Dragon Boat festival is a vital part of the cultural heritage of China.

safeguard: protect

diversity  [di·ver·si·ty || daɪ'vɜːsətɪ]

n.  差异; 多样性

element (PART) /ˈel.ɪ.mənt/

noun [C]

a part of something:

4. Try to think:

(1) How will you introduce Chinese calligraphy to foreign friends?

(2) What measures can be taken or are being taken to safeguard the Chinese calligraphy?

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