'In addition to the fields of art and calligraphy, various fields such as literature, technology, music and religion must be studied, and then they can influence one’s work subtly. I like this process,' says Ong. Photo: The Star/Yap Chee Hong
“I have seen the wonder of a drop of dew glistening from a dangling needle, a shower of rock hailing down in a raging thunder, a flock of geese gliding, frantic beasts stampeding in terror, a phoenix dancing, a startled snake slithering away in fright, ” said Chinese calligrapher Sun Guoting (646-691) from the Tang Dynasty, on viewing calligraphy.
No doubt, Chinese calligraphy is beautifully handwritten text. But perhaps more significantly from a historical viewpoint, this form of self-expression and cultivation was a visual art form that was prized over all others.
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