Analysis On “Zuo Script”

“Zuo Script”, also named “Left Script”, is mentioned by Xu Shen in Han Dynasty, from the preface of Shuo Wen Jie Zi. When listing the “Six Patterns of Characters in Xin Dynasty", Xu used this word to refer to the Official Script of Qin Dynasty. As the evolution and the development of character and history,"Zuo Script" have an extremely transformation from the name to the content,under the influences of subjective and objective factors. Meanwhile, the generalization of the word's content has also put forward it into a synonym of the Official Script.To solve such a problem in the history of calligraphy, this thesis will find the recorded marks in calligraphic theories of "Zuo Script", in order to explain and trace back its original name and content. Secondly, this thesis is also willing to consider calligraphic practice as a reference, to explore the origins of this word as well as its role during the later development of calligraphic theories. Finally, concerning the occurrence of its changes in calligraphic theory, this thesis will be also combed and discussed, from both sides of appearance and essence.Therefore, this thesis will follow these chapters to explore the research work. According to the misleading phenomenon of Zuo Script`s name and signification, I will do diachronic study for its archetype as well as its development. Meanwhile, the gathered materials, documents or pictures, are supposed to help us grasp the calligraphic characteristics and historic theology,in order to redefine its status in calligraphic history.We will show great respect for history when we analyze “Zuo Script”, for this will be benefit to maintain a deeper theoretical study of calligraphy. At the same time, we'll also combine with the practice of calligraphy, to find its expression and evolution styles on emotional level, which can undoubtedly make us clear to grasp the essence of its artistic value. Therefore, this thesis is aiming to complete the analysis from historical and experiential dimensions.