Discussion of theoretical value of Da Chongguang's "Calligraphy Raft"

Abstract

“Calligraphy Raft" is an important theoretical work of calligraphy written by Da Chongguang in the early Qing Dynasty. It has elaborated the multiple aspects of Chinese calligraphy, including bifa (using the brush method), tishi (form and structure) and bubai (space), i.e., dianhua (dots and lines), jieti (structure) and zhangfa (space). At the same time, it also clarified the essence of calligraphy on core issues such as the key points of learning calligraphy and the structure of brush and ink. In this regard, Wang Wenzhi, Huang Binhong, Lin Sanzhi and other masters all highly praised it. Obviously, from the overall point of view of the history of calligraphy, the position of this book is not prominent. However, as far as the discussion of this article is concerned, it is really penetrating and profound. The dialectical relationship of calligraphy mentioned by Da Chongguang is also worthy of careful appreciation by scholars of ancient and modern times.