The Oriental art of calligraphy Photo

Photographer’s Note

With a history of four to five thousand years, the Oriental art of calligraphy is rich in content and has attracted the attention of artists the world over. It is very much like painting. It uses Chinese characters to communicate the spiritual world of the artist.

Calligraphy is not only a practical technique for writing Chinese characters, but also a unique Oriental art of expression. Like chopsticks, calligraphy used to be wholly Chinese. As Chinese culture spread to Korea, Japan, Vietnam and Singapore, calligraphy became a unique feature of Oriental art.

Western scholars visiting China develop a keen interest in and love for Chinese calligraphy. They say every character is written like a beautiful flower.

This photo shows part of a shop sign, which caught the sun just as I took the photo. I believe the meaning of the word is 'come'.

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Critiques | Translate

avigur_11 (21315) 2003-12-14 11:09

WOW, This is what I was looking for. Whata beautiful character, designet like an artwork and well captured. Your note is excellent as usual, Andrew, very well done.

And thanks!!!

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lemon_logix (1054) 2003-12-14 11:11

This is lovely. Yes, you got the meaning right. You pronounce it as " Lai".

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nwoehnl (120) 2003-12-14 11:26

Excellent work, Andrew. I like the angle you chose, and the way in which the sun falls on the sign, it casts a nice small shadow. Very good note also.

I knew Yitzhak would like this one ;-)

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martin (1242) 2003-12-14 11:26

Great shot, Andrew. The angle and composition are excellent.

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mtolloczko (201) 2003-12-14 11:41

Nice strokes and composition. I also like the texture of the background to this idiogram. Good timing to have captured the light upon the sign.

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Edwin (2039) 2003-12-14 12:06

Capturing this combination of an over-exposed sign, the hard contrast between the sign and its shadow, and the diagonal lined background works very very good Andrew. An attractive and interesting still. And so is your note.

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dawekato (1990) 2003-12-14 12:18

The beauty of this photo is in its simplicity, while containing a complex story and context. Your notes are excellent. The light is perfect to capture the three-dimensional character and texture of the background. This really captures the beauty of the calligraphy and the history behind it.

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manny (21378) 2003-12-14 13:35

simple yet engaging. There is a lot into this picture and your note makes it even more relevant and interesting. Very well-done!

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ReynardTheFox (260) 2003-12-14 14:27

I like the light on this - the way it sort of brings out the texture of the wood background and the shadows give a 3D feel to the sign although the sign looks a bit burned out. But as others have said maybe that's a good thing since the contrasty look is quite dramatic. The light really makes the shot I think.

Maybe also if you'd included a bit more space on the right hand side and a bit less on the left - not too much though or the sign would be too central.

But those aren't very big criticisms really. Its a pretty interesting subject and the note was really informative.

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joseelias (367) 2003-12-15 7:36

Excelent shot! I like how the minimalistic style of the photo (simple composition with repeating paterns in the back and simple colors) contrast with that beautiful letter (very maximalist with al those complex shapes).

Good play between light and shadow.

light (865) 2003-12-27 18:24

Beautiful letter. I say not long ago Hero the film, explaining about the art of caligraphy, and explaining the influence in the martial artl. Nice film.
Nice silouette, good sharpening, good framing, nice background in contrast with the golden letter.

Spunkie (286) 2007-05-22 5:03

Of the 4 pictures that I saw of Chinese characters, I like this one the best. The gold makes a good contrast from the background, and I like how it's not shot straigh in front, but with an angle.
I would like to see more space around the character, and for it to be off centered.
-Tash