Welcome to Theoretical Studies in Literature and Art,

Theoretical Studies in Literature and Art ›› 2015, Vol. 35 ›› Issue (6): 121-128.

• Classical Literary Theory and Criticism • Previous Articles     Next Articles

Gao Ershi's Concept of the Refined and the Mundane in Calligraphic Art

Zhou Bin, Cui Shuqiang   

  1. the College of Communications, East China Normal University
  • Online:2015-11-25 Published:2017-09-22
  • About author:Zhou Bin, Ph.D., is a professor in the College of Communications and the director of China Calligraphy Education and Psychology Research Center, East China Normal University, with research interests in calligraphic literature, calligraphic psychology and international calligraphic communications. Cui Shuqiang, Ph.D., is an associated professor in the College of Communications, and deputy director of China Calligraphy Education and Psychology Research Center, East China Normal University, with research interest in calligraphic aesthetics, international calligraphic communications, and Chinese art criticism.

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Abstract: The concepts of the refined and the mundane are a pair of important category in calligraphic aesthetics and Gao Ershi's ideas on this are reflected in three aspects. The first is to regard the classical as the refined and the contemporary as the mundane. This is realized by reviving and studying the cursive style for official writing. The second is to regard the cultured to be refined and the crafted as the mundane. This emphasizes the cultural and aesthetic implications and attributes of calligraphy. The third is to take the clear to be refined and the turbid to be mundane. This points to aesthetic taste and the view of life, and it is realized through the solid thin line of strokes with strength and the gentle empty state of mind for the spiritual freedom.

Key words: Gao Ershi, calligraphic ideas, the refined, the mundane, cursive style for official writing