The evolution sequence and process of calligraphy styles range from oracle bone inscriptions to bronze inscriptions, seal scripts, official scripts, regular scripts, cursive scripts, running scripts, and regular scripts.
1. Oracle bone inscriptions
Oracle bone inscriptions, also known as deeds, oracle bone inscriptions, Yinxu characters or tortoise shell and animal bone inscriptions, are the earliest mature writing system discovered in China so far. The source and the root of China’s excellent traditional culture.
2. Bronze inscriptions
It refers to the name of a calligraphy style of Chinese characters, referring to the inscriptions cast on bronzes of the Yin, Shang and Zhou dynasties, also called bells and tripods. The Shang and Zhou dynasties were the age of bronzes. The ritual vessels of bronzes were represented by tripods, and bells and tripods were synonymous with bronzes.
3. Seal script
Zhuan script is the collective name for large seal script and small seal script. Large seal script, bronze inscriptions, Zhou inscriptions, and Six Kingdoms inscriptions preserve the obvious characteristics of ancient hieroglyphs. Xiaozhuan, also known as Qinzhuan, is the common script of the Qin Dynasty. Its font is easier to write than Zhenwen.
4. Official script
Official script is a solemn way of writing. It is characterized by flat and square characters, silkworm heads and swallow tails, twists and turns, and emphasis on strength and rhythm. Official script originated in the Qin Dynasty and was the official writing method at that time. It was also one of the important schools of Chinese calligraphy art.
5. Regular script
Regular script is a neat writing method with square fonts, neat strokes and a well-proportioned structure. Regular script is one of the standard fonts of modern Chinese characters. Its emergence marks a great progress in Chinese character writing. Regular script is characterized by clear and easy-to-recognize strokes, which is suitable for formal occasions and printing text.
6. Cursive script
Cursive script is a writing style with strong freehand brushwork. It is characterized by simple, smooth and freehand strokes. Cursive script is divided into three types: Zhangcao, Jincao and Kuangcao. Zhangcao was produced in the Han Dynasty, Jincao was produced in the Eastern Han Dynasty, and Kuangcao was produced in the Tang Dynasty. Cursive writing not only has artistic value, but also has practical value and is suitable for rapid writing and the creation of handwritten text.
7. Running script
Running script is a smooth writing method, which is characterized by coherent strokes, convenient writing, and easy identification. Running script is a variation of regular script, which originated in the Han Dynasty and has the characteristics of smooth and natural strokes. The writing methods of running script are flexible and diverse, and can be used for writing in formal occasions as well as for the creation of handwritten text.
8. Regular script
Regular script is a relatively free writing method. Its characters are square and the strokes are smooth and natural. It has the rules of regular script and the flow of cursive script. Xingkai script is one of the more popular fonts among modern Chinese characters. Its writing methods are flexible and diverse, and can be used for the creation of handwritten characters and the writing of printed characters.
The emergence of regular script marks a great progress in writing Chinese characters and also provides new ideas for the innovation of modern Chinese characters.