A study of 'Yilao' calligraphy in the early twentieth century (Chinese text)

In the early twentieth century, groups of “Yilao calligraphers” emerged after the downfall of the Qing empire. These “Yilao” calligraphers, who took a loyal political stand towards the old regime, insisted on continuing the traditional ways of cultivation and artistic creation in spite of the rapid social and cultural changes. Because of their resistance to the new movement of reformation, they have generally been criticized by historians as conservative and conventional, and the importance of their calligraphy has also been very much neglected. However, as a part of history, these “Yilao” did play an important role in the development of early twentieth-century calligraphy. This paper discusses the calligraphy of these “Yilao” so as to give them a correct position in art history. It comprises five chapters: (1) Chapter 1 reviews how political rationalism seriously affected the study of twentieth-century calligraphy, and how such an approach has changed in recent researches. Syncretic methodology is employed and overall calligraphic background is introduced. (2) Chapter 2 redefines the identity of “Yilao” in the political, cultural and psychological aspects, and analyses the formation of “Yilao” calligraphers and their political participation, cultural activities and economic lives. (3) Chapter 3 reveals the “Yilao” calligraphers' views of calligraphy, how these views were based on profound traditional learning, rich collection of art, and new archaeological finds, and how they generated new calligraphy theories and historical approaches. (4) Chapter 4 discusses the overall spirit and unique styles of the “ Yilao” calligraphers. It also traces their artistic origins and highlights the characteristics of both amateurs and “professionals”. (5) Chapter 5 attempts to re-evaluate the significance of “ Yilao” calligraphers and re-position them as the pioneers in the development of twentieth-century calligraphy.