Publications | 出版物

Calligraphic Symbols of the Universal Spiral Qi with Demonstrations (2023)

Chen, Xinming. Calligraphic Symbols of the Universal Spiral QI with Demonstrations. Mugen Tahi Press, 2023

Detailed introduction click HERE.

Collected by:

• Tsinghua University
• South China Normal University
• Beijing Normal University
• Beijing Mofa School

Research on Li Jian (2013)

Chen, Xinming. Research on Li Jian. Shanghai Literature and History Research Institute, 2013

Preface Translated by Ken Yuxi Liu:

The research on Jian Li is in three parts: Part One is an introduction to Jian Li’s manuscript 《书通》; Part Two includes the appreciation and analysis of Jian Li’s calligraphies, paintings and seals; Part Three is on the research of the poems and works that Jian Li has written. Also included is an Appendix covering a timeline of Jian Li’s life and photos of his manuscripts, as well as artworks created by his apprentices, which are also very important achievements.

Over a ten year period Chen Zhao Xinming has researched and then written this book on Jian Li, which is now about to be published. Regrettably however Jian Li had also written a book called The History of Chinese Calligraphy which had been commissioned by Yuanji Zhang, the former Chairman of the Board of the China Commercial Press. Jian Li had completed this book but just as it was about to be printed the Sino-Japan War broke out, and all the samples were destroyed during the subsequent Japanese invasion. The manuscripts in the Li family were therefore never published, as they were later confiscated during the Cultural Revolution. Although a small number of manuscripts were later retrieved, sadly most of them are still missing – which is a great loss felt by all of those who have been involved in the research into his life and works. There is always a plethora of academic research available, but truly valuable research must show some exceptional innovation, such as new materials, new ideas or new approaches. It is rare and commendable that Xinming has collected such a wealth of material about Jian Li, and that she has provided insightful comments on his importance in Chinese calligraphy history. Xinming views the art of Chinese calligraphy with a deep respect and also holds Jian Li himself in deep regard. She has included detailed and accurate materials and excellent photographs, and has completed her book with rigorous academic integrity and dedication. Xinming’s exquisite writing style displays great beauty, elegance, earnestness – all traits which reflect her own personality. It is my honor to both sincerely congratulate Xinming and to give her my best wishes for her future research on the history of Chinese painting and calligraphy. All of the words above do not fully pay tribute to the memory of Jian Li, or cover all the aspects of the research that Zhao Xinming Chen has done, so I write this simply as a sincere recommendation of this book.

– Shen Zuwei, Director of Shanghai Research Institute of Culture and History. December 2013

Related news report:

Footprints of Great Masters – Xinming’s Research on Chinese Calligraphy, Book 1 (2011)

Chen, Xinming. Footprints of Great Masters – Xinming’s Research on Chinese Calligraphy, Book 1, China Literature & Art Press, 2011

Translated comments from The Author Mr. Liu Youju: Xinming is a thoughtful person. She has lived in New Zealand for more than 20 years and has been tirelessly pursuing the source of Chinese calligraphy. She has dug a new land for calligraphy research with the vision of a scholar. She taught Chinese calligraphy and cultural arts in New Zealand, which not only had a profound impact on the Chinese community, but also recruited many Western students and cultivated a batch of foreign talents in researching and creating Chinese calligraphy. Therefore, her contribution goes beyond the general significance. In her decades of calligraphy research, she used philology, archaeology, philosophy and classics to write “Xinming’s footprints on Calligraphy ” to pass on the heart seal of calligraphy culture and art tradition. After thousands of miles, she sent the manuscript to me and entrusted me to publish it in China. I feel that this is a wonderful book of calligraphy theory. The new viewpoints she put forward will surely have a profound inspiration for the study of Chinese calligraphy. Guangdong Chinese Calligraphy Academy is willing to do its utmost to do some useful work for the publication of “Xinming’s footprints on Calligraphy ” and also include it as one of the series of “International Chinese Series”.

• Liu Youju, President of Guangdong Chinese Calligraphy Academy

This book is collected by Tsinghua University Library. (click link to see the details)