Korean calligraphy, called "Seoye" (서예) in Korean, is a beautiful and ancient art form. It involves writing the Korean alphabet and Chinese characters using special brushes and ink. This art has been practiced for many centuries and is an important part of Korean culture.
History of Korean Calligraphy
Korean calligraphy started with Chinese calligraphy, which came to Korea a long time ago. Over time, Koreans developed their own unique styles of writing. When King Sejong the Great created Hangul, the Korean alphabet, in the 15th century, calligraphy became even more special and unique to Korea.
To create Korean calligraphy, artists use four main tools:
1. Brush (붓): Made from animal hair, the brush is flexible and allows for beautiful strokes.
2. Ink Stick (먹): Made from soot and glue, this stick is ground with water to make ink.
3. Ink Stone (벼루): A stone surface used to grind the ink stick and mix it with water.
4. Paper (한지): Traditional Korean paper made from mulberry tree bark, known for its unique texture.
Types of Korean Calligraphy
There are several styles of Korean calligraphy, each with its own rules:
1. Jeonseo (전서): An old style with rounded and elegant strokes, often used for seals.
2. Choseo (초서): A cursive style with flowing, connected strokes for quick writing.
3. Haeseo (해서): A standard style with clear, legible characters, used in formal documents.
4. Haengseo (행서): A semi-cursive style that balances clarity and fluidity, used for artistic writing.
Korean calligraphy is a wonderful mix of art, history, and philosophy. Its elegant writing and deep meanings give us a glimpse into Korea's rich cultural past. Whether you want to try it yourself or simply appreciate its beauty, Korean calligraphy is a fascinating art form that connects us with tradition and inspires creativity.
Written by: Suzannne & Chanchal
Picture' sources: personal document
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