New! Chinese Calligraphy: The Art of Seal Script I (Zhuanshu, 篆书 I) (Virtual)
Chinese Calligraphy: The Art of Seal Script I (Zhuanshu, 篆书 I) (Virtual)
Seal script (篆书, Zhuànshū) is one of the earliest forms of Chinese calligraphy, originating during the Zhou Dynasty and later standardized in the Qin Dynasty under Li Si (李斯). Characterized by its rounded and elongated strokes, it is renowned for its symmetry, elegant curves, and emphasis on balance.
In this 10-week course, students will learn the fundamental techniques of the Seal script, including its distinctive strokes and character structure. Through guided practice, students will explore the historical and artistic significance of this ancient script while developing precision and balance in their writing. The course will focus on Li Si’s classic work, Yi Shan Bei 《峄山刻石》, serving as a foundational model to deepen students’ understanding and refine their technique.
Regular homework submission is required for the instructor to track and support students’ progress. Each student will receive personalized feedback from the instructor to further refine their skills.
Whether you are a beginner or exploring seal script for the first time, this course will utilize a structured, step-by-step approach for students to master this ancient and elegant writing style.
Course Outline:
- Week 1: Introduction to Writing: Tools & Materials, Basic Techniques and Strokes, Basics of Seal script
- Week 2: Straight & Curved Strokes, Simple Characters (1)
- Week 3: Structure, Techniques & Simple Characters (2)
- Week 4: Structure & Compound Characters (1)
- Week 5: Structure & Compound Characters (2)
- Week 6: Structure & Compound Characters (3)
- Week 7: Structure & Compound Characters (4)
- Week 8: Structure & Compound Characters (5)
- Week 9: Structure & Compound Characters (5)
- Week 10: Final Review and Presentation, Calligraphic Composition
Tools Needed:
- A calligraphy brush pen (for Seal Script)
- Liquid ink
- Ink dish
- Practice paper
- Felt
**Detailed requirements and a recommended list will be provided. Students can choose to buy tools from Amazon or locally.
Steps to Take the Course:
- Prepare a device with a camera that can run Zoom.
- Have your writing tools readily available.
- Click on the Zoom link you received to join the class.
- Attend the 1.5-hour class session.
- Practice after class and submit your assignments to the shared Facebook album.
Get a Glimpse of the Class!
References:
李斯《峄山刻石》
The Yìshān Kèshí (峄山刻石) is one of the most significant stone inscriptions from the Qin dynasty, attributed to Lǐ Sī (李斯), the influential chancellor of Qin Shi Huang (秦始皇). Carved around 219 BCE on Mount Yi (峄山) in present-day Shandong Province, it commemorates Qin Shi Huang’s eastern tour and celebrates his unification of China. The inscription praises his governance, centralization of power, and efforts in standardizing writing, measurements, and administration across the empire. Written in Small Seal Script (小篆, Xiǎo Zhuàn), a script standardized under Lǐ Sī’s influence, the text reflects the Qin dynasty’s emphasis on order and uniformity. This script played a crucial role in unifying Chinese writing, influencing later calligraphic styles. Though the original stone has been lost, its content has been preserved through historical records and rubbings. The Yìshān Kèshí remains an important artifact in Chinese history, representing both political propaganda and artistic achievement. It not only honors Qin Shi Huang’s rule but also showcases Lǐ Sī’s literary and calligraphic expertise, marking a key moment in the evolution of Chinese script and governance.
Fees
10 sessions (15 hours of virtual class instruction + outside-of-class instructor comments)
$330 members / $370 non-members
(plus a $30 non-refundable registration fee)
Maximum Number of Students: 10
Instructor
Yi Su 苏艺
Yi Su 苏艺 is a professional Chinese calligrapher, member of China Calligraphers Association and North America Chinese Calligraphy Association. Practicing calligraphy for over two decades, she began her training in childhood and has earned many awards. Her artworks have been showcased in various exhibitions. After earning a master’s degree in arts administration, she held a solo exhibition at Pace University Gallery in 2015 and founded her art studio “BIMO Theory” in 2020.
Now based in New York, Yi is dedicated to teaching calligraphy and creating her own artwork. She is a descendant of Su Shi 苏轼 (1037-1101), renowned poet, scholar, and calligrapher in Song dynasty. While proficient in multiple calligraphy styles, Yi particularly favors “small standard script” and “large cursive script,” through which she takes most of passion to express her unique artistic vision.
To learn more about Yi Su, please visit her website: https://www.bimotheory.com/
Testimonials
I first learned with 苏 老 师 during China Institute’s Lunch and Learn program. I was so glad when she offered her calligraphy course this fall. She is an excellent teacher, very meticulous and methodical in making calligraphy accessible and enjoyable. What I appreciate most is how her exercises (homework) not only help students understand proper stroke order and “shapes” but also create more confidence in writing altogether. Her calm manner during class also reinforces the meditative quality of calligraphy.