Calligraphy for fun
The folding fan was introduced to China from Japan during the Song dynasty. Originally a practical tool for cooling, it gradually became an artistic medium in ancient China. By inscribing calligraphy or painting landscapes upon its surface, scholars and literati transformed the fan into a vehicle of refined expression. In Chinese opera and drama, the archetypal image of a scholar often features a folding fan adorned with calligraphy or artwork.
On this fan, I have inscribed the four-character phrase “惠風和暢” (Huì fēng hé chàng) in running script. The phrase originates from the celebrated calligrapher Wang Xizhi’s Lanting Xu (Preface to the Orchid Pavilion Gathering), and it evokes the gentle, refreshing spring breeze that brings warmth, harmony, and delight.
This piece presents the University of North Carolina’s motto in seal script, one of the earliest forms of Chinese calligraphy.
The original motto Lux libertas is written in Latin, which translates into English as Light and Liberty, and into Chinese as “光明自由.” Seal script, characterized by its graceful curves, flourished more than two millennia ago. Over time, it gave way to the straight-lined forms of modern Chinese characters, and today it is no longer used in daily writing. Instead, it is reserved for special purposes such as inscribed plaques, carved seals, or as a medium for artistic appreciation.
Latin, with its historical depth and solemnity, has long been the preferred language for mottos in American universities. Seal script, similarly imbued with antiquity and dignity, provides a fitting parallel. Rendering the UNC motto in this script unites two venerable traditions, enhancing both its symbolic and aesthetic resonance.
The Heart Sutra (Prajñāpāramitā Hṛdaya Sūtra) is a Buddhist scripture often recited to help practitioners cultivate inner peace, joy, and spiritual abundance, leading to a higher state of mind. Many Buddhists also copy the text repeatedly by hand, which has made it a frequent subject for calligraphers. Historically, copying scriptures was one of the most important uses of small-sized regular script (xiaokai), particularly during the Tang dynasty. Beyond religious practice, small-sized regular script was widely applied in imperial examinations, official documents, and manuscript copying in ancient China.
These are handcrafted fridge magnets. From left to right:
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杜克大學 (Duke University)
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我是藍魔 (I am Blue Devil)
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我畢業了 (I graduated)
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愛 (Love)