Chinese calligraphy is more than just writing—it’s an art form that has evolved over thousands of years, reflecting China’s rich history and cultural depth. Unlike Western calligraphy, which often focuses on uniformity, Chinese calligraphy values expression, rhythm, and energy in every stroke.
One of the most fascinating aspects of this art is its five major script styles, each with its own unique beauty and historical significance. Whether rigid and formal or wild and free, these styles showcase the versatility of Chinese characters. Let’s explore them one by one.
1. Seal Script (篆书 Zhuànshū) – The Ancient Elegance
Era: Shang & Zhou Dynasties (1600–256 BCE)
Characteristics:
- Thin, even strokes with tapered endings.
- Symmetrical and angular, resembling engravings on bronze or bone.
- The oldest surviving script, used in oracle bones and ceremonial seals.
Why It Matters:
Seal script is the foundation of Chinese writing, preserving the earliest forms of characters. Though rarely used today, it appears in artistic seals (印章 yìnzhāng), calligraphy works, and traditional inscriptions.
Example Character:
Look at the character “永” (yǒng, meaning “eternal”) in seal script—its balanced, flowing lines almost look like a sacred symbol.
2. Clerical Script (隶书 Lìshū) – The Birth of Structure
Era: Han Dynasty (206 BCE–220 CE)
Characteristics:
- Flattened, broad strokes with a “silkworm head and swallow tail” effect.
- More legible than seal script, marking a shift toward standardization.
- Used in official documents (hence the name “clerical”).
Why It Matters:
This script was revolutionary—it simplified ancient characters, making writing more efficient. Many modern Chinese fonts trace their roots to clerical script.
Example Character:
The character “书” (shū, meaning “book”) in clerical script has a distinct horizontal flourish, giving it a stately presence.
3. Regular Script (楷书 Kǎishū) – The Standard of Beauty
Era: Wei & Jin Dynasties (220–420 CE), perfected in the Tang Dynasty (618–907 CE)
Characteristics:
- Precise, balanced strokes with clear beginnings and endings.
- The most readable and widely taught script today.
- Used in printing, education, and formal documents.
Why It Matters:
Regular script is the gold standard of Chinese calligraphy. Masters like Ouyang Xun and Yan Zhenqing set enduring models for this style.
Example Character:
The character “永” (yǒng) in regular script is often used to teach beginners because it contains all eight basic brushstrokes.
4. Running Script (行书 Xíngshū) – The Art of Fluidity
Era: Han Dynasty onward, popularized by Wang Xizhi (303–361 CE)
Characteristics:
- Semi-cursive—faster and more connected than regular script.
- Strikes a balance between legibility and expressiveness.
- Favored for personal letters and poetry.
Why It Matters:
Running script captures the rhythm of thought, making it feel alive. Wang Xizhi’s Lanting Xu (Orchid Pavilion Preface) is the most famous example.
Example Character:
The character “风” (fēng, meaning “wind”) in running script flows like a breeze, with linked strokes suggesting motion.
5. Cursive Script (草书 Cǎoshū) – The Wild Dance of Ink
Era: Han Dynasty onward, peaked in the Tang Dynasty
Characteristics:
- Extremely abstract and fast, with highly simplified strokes.
- Strokes merge and skip, prioritizing energy over clarity.
- Often compared to abstract art or jazz improvisation.
Why It Matters:
Cursive script is the ultimate test of a calligrapher’s skill—it requires deep knowledge of structure before breaking the rules. Famous masters like Zhang Xu and Huaisu were known for their “wild cursive” (狂草 kuángcǎo).
Example Character:
The character “龙” (lóng, meaning “dragon”) in cursive script might look like a whirl of ink, embodying the mythical creature’s power.
