Research On The Theory And Practice Of Zhang Zongxiang’s Calligraphy

The Republic of China (1912-1949) was the era that China was transition from a feudal society gradually into a modern society. The political system, ideology, cultural attitudes, social structure and human mentality all constantly changed. Under this historical background, calligraphy in Republic of China was a combination of the old and new cultural features. During such a special period, enormous changes occurred in the field of calligraphy, Genres blossom, so do masters. Zhang Zong xiang was not famous for his calligraphy, but for his academic known and many other aspects. Though calligraphy was something Mr. Zhang did in his spare time, he still received many achievements and praises from professionals in this field because of his mastery of comprehensive knowledge and proficiency in academic research. By combining his calligraphically theory and his works, we conclude that Mr. Zhang spent his lifetime on tracing the origin of calligraphy, appraising rubbings and studying the techniques used in calligraphy. Mr. Zhang finally formed his own style in calligraphy after his lifetime effort on those researches. He was especially unique in his research on calligraphically theories, these were included in 《On Origin and Development of Calligraphy》、《Verse that were used to describe Calligraphy》, which had a high reputation in the field and were regarded as the most critical achievements in the Republic of China’s calligraphically history.This research paper examines Mr.Zhang Zongxiang’s calligraphical works and his theoretical contributions to calligraphy. First, his works are sorted into three periods, and works from each period are analyzed so that conclusions can be made about Zhang’s experiments in calligraphy and his attitude toward experimental calligraphy. The second part of this paper studies the methods he used and his major view points he made in calligraphy by analyzing his major publication including 《On Origin and Development of Calligraphy》、《Verse that were used to describe Calligraphy》.The analysis shows his pivotal role in China’s calligraphy history. Furthermore, this paper observes the importance of Zhang in calligraphy by comparing him with other calligrapher in the same period. The last part of this paper draws conclusion to Zhang’s calligraphical viewpoints and his significance in the enlighten of modern calligraphy.This research paper examines Mr.Zhang Zongxiang’s calligraphical works and his theoretical contributions to calligraphy. First, his works are sorted into three periods, and works from each period are analyzed so that conclusions can be made about Zhang’s experiments in calligraphy and his attitude toward experimental calligraphy. The second part of this paper studies the methods he used and his major view points he made in calligraphy by analyzing his major publishments including 《On Origin and Development of Calligraphy》、《Verse that were used to describe Calligraphy》. The analysis shows his pivotal role in China’s calligraphy history. Furthermore, this paper observes the importance of Zhang in calligraphy by comparing him with other calligrapher in the same period. The last part of this paper draws conclusion to Zhang’s calligraphical viewpoints and his significance in the enlightment of modern calligraphy.