The Influence Of Material On The Aesthetics Of Chinese Painting And Calligraphy

Chinese art of calligraphy and painting has its own peculiar ethical characteristics. The formation of its style is influenced by Chinese philosophy and aesthetics. Besides, the materials that it adopts also exert important influence. The thesis analyses the characteristics of materials such as brush pen, Chinese ink, paper and ink stone. Tracing the development of these materials, the thesis aims to find the influence of these materials on the style and aesthetic characteristics of Chinese calligraphy and painting. The brush pen is sharp, soft and elastic so that Chinese calligraphy and painting is likely to become an art of line. Chinese ink can be diluted and attempered. Moreover, it is neither sticky, nor astringent nor stagnant. These properties make people able to write or paint freely. The paper for Chinese calligraphy and painting, especially rice paper, can absorb Chinese ink of various kinds. It is suitable for calligraphy and painting using brush pen. It is also can display the advantage of Chinese ink. As one of unique instruments for Chinese calligraphy and painting, ink stone decides the exquisiteness of Chinese ink to some extent and therefore directly influences the quality of art works. The present paper believes that brush pen, Chinese ink, paper and ink stone altogether constitute the complete system of materials for Chinese calligraphy and painting. These materials lay solid foundation at substantial level for Chinese art and determine its spirit and development to certain extent.