Chinese calligraphy has developed five main script types over its long history, each with distinct characteristics and artistic内涵. Understanding these differences helps appreciate the depth of Chinese calligraphy art.
Seal Script (篆书)
Divided into large seal (大篆) and small seal (小篆). Large seal includes oracle bone script, bronze inscriptions, and stone drum script. Small seal was standardized by Li Si during the Qin Dynasty. Characters are vertically oriented with symmetrical white space, using center brush with round, even lines called 'jade chopstick seal script.'
Clerical Script (隶书)
Evolved from seal script for faster writing. Characters are slightly wide and flat with long horizontal strokes and short vertical strokes. Features 'silkworm head and swallow tail' (蚕头雁尾) and 'one wave with three turns' (一波三折). Flourished in the Han Dynasty with masterpieces like '张迁碑' and '曹全碑.'
Regular Script (楷书)
Also called true script. Characters are square and upright with straight strokes, serving as the model for standard writing. Began in the Eastern Han Dynasty. Famous masters include Ouyang Xun, Yan Zhenqing, Liu Gongquan, and Zhao Mengfu, each with distinctive styles.
Running Script (行书)
Developed between regular and cursive scripts. Features connected strokes with flowing, convenient writing. Characters are regular yet easy to recognize. Wang Xizhi's 'Lanting Preface' is considered the 'best running script in the world.'
Cursive Script (草书)
The most simplified and expressive script. Strokes are highly connected and simplified for speed. Divided into章草, 今草, and 狂草. Requires solid foundation in other scripts. Famous works include Huaisu's '自叙帖' and Zhang Xu's '古诗四帖.'