| This thesis discusses calligraphy of the Wuzhong area during the late Yuan and early Ming dynasties in the hope of clearing any misunderstanding of this subject and filling a gap in the history of Chinese calligraphy. In addition to an examination of the political, social, economic and cultural factors leading to the rise and fall of Wuzhong calligraphy, the stylistic characteristics common to and individual of the various Wuzhong calligraphers are identified on the basis of documentary records and research findings from the past.;Apart from the "Introduction" and "Conclusion", there are six chapters. The "Introduction" states the objectives, scope, materials used and methodology adopted for this study. Chapter One "The Rise of the Wuzhong Calligraphy" examines how political, social, economic and cultural circumstances led to the boom of arts in the Wuzhong area. It also investigates the activities of the various literati groups in the area and the interaction among them. Chapters Two to Five are devoted to the acquaintances among the Wuzhong calligraphers, their artistic origins and styles, and how the styles can be grouped under four branches. Chapter Six "The Fall of the Wuzhong Calligraphy" examines how political, social, economic and cultural circumstances led, this time, to the fall of Wuzhong calligraphy. The "Conclusion" gives a stylistic account of Wuzhong calligraphy as a whole and the development of "the Wuzhong School of Calligraphy" after the Hongwu era, and affirms the importance of this school in the context of art history. |
