Principle (Li 理) in Ancient Chinese Calligraphy Theory: Investigating the Principles of Things and the Nature of Human Beings

Abstract Chinese characters are the key to exploring China, while calligraphy embodies the soul of Chinese culture. “Investigate the principles of things and the nature of human beings thoroughly” is a philosophical proposition and can also serve as a significant aesthetic concept for evaluating Chinese art. The ancient Chinese calligraphy theory has always served as an important theoretical foundation for both Chinese and Western scholars to deeply understand the philosophical essence of Chinese calligraphy and for practitioners studying the art of calligraphy. Throughout the history of Chinese calligraphy development, calligraphy theories have articulated the personal insights of practitioners, summarized the rigorous principles and techniques of others, and further elevated moral cultivation and connoisseurship within the art of calligraphy. In studying ancient calligraphy theories, one discovers multiple dimensions of “principle” (Li 理 ) elucidated within them: some emphasize rigorous rationality, others focus on paradigmatic rules and methods of transmission, among others. This study seeks to uncover the mysteries of “principle” in calligraphy theory by addressing these issues.