The Form Of Life

Personification for calligraphy refers to enjoying calligraphy and elucidating calligraphic theory in terms of the names of human body, like muscles, bones, flesh, blood and artery, and the words of describing human beings' mental state, such as spirit, energy and flavor.The thesis consists of four chapters. The first chapter discusses the phenomenon of analogy of human body in all kinds of arts, including Ancient Chinese Poetry, painting and drama, but it is the commonest in calligraphy. The chapter also traces back the category of personification for calligraphy to traditional Chinese medicine, anthroposcopy of Eastern Han and Western Han, and evaluation of individual temperament during Wei, Jin and Southern and Northern Dynasties. The development of personification for calligraphy in ancient times undergoes a process from mechanical personification of exterior life constitution to interior spirit of calligraphy.The second chapter makes a detailed analysis of the theoretical connotation and aesthetic features of the categories of muscles, bones, flesh, blood, spirit, energy and flavor, and investigates the forming mechanism of these categories in calligraphy.In the third chapter, the focus will be on the cultural sources of personification for calligraphy. Personification for calligraphy is influenced by traditional Chinese medicine from the aspects of Tian Ren He Yi (integrity of human body in functional structure, integrity of appearance, essence and flavor, and physical and psychological unity). Zhouyi (The Book of Changes) also exerts an influence upon personification for calligraphy for it underscores appearance, essence and flavor, moving as a symbol of life, and ethical significance. In addition, philosophical thinking of Confucianism and Taoism has a great influence on Personification for calligraphy.The fourth chapter makes a comparison of personification for art in eastern and western cultures. The main differences can be concluded into four aspects. Firstly, the embodiment of life consciousness of human beings in the universe is different between eastern and western aesthetics. Secondly, the form of life in western culture is adept at refined analysis of artistic form, while personification for calligraphy in China has formed many categories which can directly reach essence of life. Thirdly, the form of life in western culture puts a stress on self development of human spirit, and personification for calligraphy in China is filled with ethical and moral significance. Lastly, the conception of integrity about life in personification for art is varied in two cultures.