What is the difference between Chinese calligraphy and Western calligraphy?

Chinese calligraphy and Western calligraphy have distinct differences: 1. _Writing systems_: Chinese calligraphy uses logograms (characters representing words or phrases), while Western calligraphy uses alphabetic scripts (letters representing sounds). 2. _Tools_: Chinese calligraphy uses brushes, while Western calligraphy uses pens or nibs. 3. _Strokes_: Chinese calligraphy has eight basic strokes, while Western calligraphy has a varied number of strokes depending on the script. 4. _Letterform structure_: Chinese characters have a square structure, while Western letters are linear. 5. _Flourishing_: Western calligraphy often features elaborate flourishes, while Chinese calligraphy emphasizes simplicity and restraint. 6. _Historical influence_: Chinese calligraphy has a longer history (over 3,000 years) and has influenced other Asian calligraphic traditions, while Western calligraphy has been influenced by various cultures, including Roman, Greek, and Arabic. 7. _Aesthetic principles_: Chinese calligraphy emphasizes balance, harmony, and energy (known as "qi"), while Western calligraphy focuses on legibility, proportion, and ornamentation. 8. _Scripts_: Chinese calligraphy has various scripts (e.g., Kaisho, Gyosho, Sosho), while Western calligraphy has scripts like Copperplate, Spencerian, and Italic. These differences reflect the unique cultural, historical, and linguistic contexts of each tradition. read less