kaishu

Kaishu, or Regular Script (楷书), is a principal style of Chinese calligraphy and the standard script used in most printed texts and everyday handwriting. It is characterized by clear, legible characters and is widely taught as the foundational script for literacy in Chinese.

Origin and development: Kaishu originated from the earlier Clerical Script (Lishu) during the late Han to Wei periods and achieved its mature form in the Tang dynasty. Renowned Tang masters such as Ouyang Xun, Yan Zhenqing, and Liu Gongquan helped codify its structure and aesthetics, setting conventions that endured for centuries. The script subsequently spread to East Asia and influenced writing systems in Japan, Korea, and Vietnam.

Characteristics: Kaishu features squared, upright characters with stable structures and well-defined stroke order. Strokes tend to have regular, controlled movement, with clear beginnings and endings, contributing to overall legibility and balance. The Eight Principles of Yong, a traditional set of brushstroke rules associated with regular script, is often used as a teaching framework for learning Kaishu.

Usage and influence: In modern China, Kaishu is the standard taught to beginners and remains dominant in education, print media, and signage. Digital fonts based on Kaishu, such as KaiTi, are common in Chinese typography. The style also serves as a key reference in calligraphy practice and scholarship, reflecting both historical development and ongoing aesthetic and linguistic importance.