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Chinese have evolved from Oracle bone script (Jia Gu Wen 甲骨文), Bronze script(Jin Wen 金文), Large Seal script (Da Zhuan 大篆), small Seal script (Xiao Zhuan 小篆), clerical script (Li Shu 隶书), standard script (Kai Shu 楷书), running script (Xing Shu 行书), draft script (Cao Shu 草书), and
simplified script (Jian Ti Zi 简体字). Also, Chinese characters have been adapted to write a number of other language including: Japanese, Korean and Vietnamese. Simplified
forms of Chinese characters are used in China and Singapore. Traditional characters are used in Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macao.
Calligraphy, the writing of characters (Shufa), is an art which has developed over many centuries in China. The genres of painting and calligraphy emerged simultaneously, basic material/ tools--brush, paper and ink(stick).
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| Wang Xizhi |
It is the one of highest form of Chinese art, serving the purpose of
conveying thoughts while also showcasing abstract beauty of line. Calligraphy is one of the 4 basic skills and disciplines of the Chinese literati,together with painting, stringed musical instruments and board games. As the time passed, from the Jin Dynasty to Tang Dynasty, Caoshu(Draft Script), running script and standard script become the Mainstream of Chinese calligraphy. The appearance of Wang Xizhi, the greatest calligraphy of all time, was a phenomenon of that period, whose artistic achievements were highly appreciated even until the Tang Dynasty. Meanwhile, a great many calligraphers were rising at that time.
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| 行书（running script） |
The Chinese writing system is and unique phenomenon in the modern world of alphabet scripts. Instead of a few dozen letters, it has developed thousands of complex signs or "characters" that represent morphemes and words. Chinese characters are made out of simple single strokes.
