Ontology and Dynamics of Calligraphic Tradition

Chinese calligraphy is one of the fundamental phenomena defining the uniqueness of the national cultural tradition, which must be viewed as a complex, dynamic system of artistic practice rooted in the traditional philosophical paradigm of Chinese culture. In the era of globalization, the transmission of calligraphy is not only about the continuity of art but also the affirmation and preservation of cultural identity. To understand calligraphy is to decode the spiritual essence of Chinese civilization. This paper employs the theoretical framework of “cosmological principles”, “cyclicality”, and “vital energy (气韵)” to explore the ontological structure and historical evolution of calligraphic tradition. The research demonstrates that: cosmological principles provide the metaphysical foundation for calligraphy’s “emulation of celestial and terrestrial forms”; cyclicality constructs the rhythm of spatiotemporal expression and the mechanism of transmission; and vital energy drives the dynamic life force manifested in brush and ink. Together, these three elements form a unified “ontology-dynamics” system, enabling calligraphy to maintain robust cultural vitality in the contemporary era.