1. Definition:
Calligraphy is the art of writing. A contemporary definition of calligraphic practice is "the art of giving form to signs in an expressive, harmonious and skillful manner" (Mediavilla 1996: 18)
2. Calligraphy Category:
- East Asian calligraphy: China (Hanzi), Korea (Hanja), Japan (Kanji), Vietnam (Hán Tự)
- Indian calligraphy
- Nepalese calligraphy
- Tibetan calligraphy
- Persian calligraphy
- Islamic calligraphy
- Western calligraphy
- Maya Calligraphy
3. Vietnamese Calligraphy:
Calligraphy has had a long history in Vietnam, previously using Chinese characters along with Chữ Nôm. However, most modern Vietnamese calligraphy instead uses the Roman-character based Quốc Ngữ, which has proven to be very popular.
(a Vietnamese Calligraphy Master in Feudalism)
a. The History of Vietnamese Calligraphy:
- One of the most important sources for the study of early Vietnamese calligraphy is official coinage, which is first thought to have gone into circulation during the rule of the Ðinh (967-980). By the 11th century proficiency in the art of calligraphy was regarded as a mark of breeding amongst educated literati, a number of whom are known to have prided themselves in being conversant with all five major types of Chinese calligraphic script. By the 14th and 15th centuries the special ideographic script devised for transcribing spoken Vietnamese known as chữ Nôm was also being used widely by calligraphers.
- The art of Vietnamese calligraphy was born in the 1930s under the influence of the New Poetry Movement (Phong trào Thơ Mới) when Vietnamese poets began to write poems in the romanised script Quốc Ngữ rather than in Chinese and Nôm. The new style of writing turned the romanised script itself into a form of art, so that the letters themselves reflected some of the ideas inherent in a word, phrase or poem.
- After 1945 interest in calligraphy of all types declined, but today it is once more gaining popularity throughout the country thanks to leading exponents. A number of calligraphy clubs have also opened over the past few years in the capital city and the best contact point for Vietnamese calligraphy is the UNESCO Vietnam Calligraphy Club.
- In the past, with literacy in the old character-based writing systems of Vietnam being restricted to scholars and elites, calligraphy nevertheless still played an important part in Vietnamese life. On special occasions such as the Lunar New Year, people would go to the village teacher or scholar to make them a calligraphy hanging (often poetry, folk sayings or even single words). People who could not read or write also often commissioned scholars to write prayers which they would burn at temple shrines.
b. Some Points about the Vietnamese Calligraphy:
- Vietnamese calligraphy is an ancient art of the land. A most interesting and unique feature of the culture of Vietnam, the early Vietnamese calligraphy had reached a high level of proficiency by the 11th century. Calligraphy in Vietnam was considered a mark of sophistication amongst the liberated elite of the country.
- The art of calligraphy in Vietnam is strongly influenced by the script of Chinese calligraphy. 14th and 15th centuries witnessed the emergence of the ideographic script that was widespread in Vietnam. During the 1930s, influenced by the new Poetry Movement, Vietnamese calligraphy had reached a new height as the poets of the country were widely using calligraphy in their poetic scripts. Calligraphy in Vietnam, like in China, is not only a writing style but an art.
(Four Seasons Collection: Spring, Summer, Fall - Autumn, Winter)
- Vietnamese calligraphy is used on silk paintings, paper, wood, scripts, literary works etc. Calligraphy in Vietnam is not just a style of writing but also contains symbolic connotations. Each letter in Vietnamese calligraphy is a symbol and defines some aspect of the country's identity. Borrowed from and largely influenced by Chinese writing, Vietnamese calligraphy is a glaring example of the ancient culture of Vietnam. Imbued with the spirit of Vietnam, its is traditional and beautiful.
(Nhẫn = Patience, one of good East Asian Characteristic)
(Parents)
(Tâm = Mind, Heart, and Soul - also means Man's Good Heart)
(Thanks Life because on waking up, I have one more day to have love)
Some Vietnamese Calligraphy performed in English Language
