zhuanshu

Zhuanshu is a style of Chinese calligraphy. It is one of the oldest and most formal scripts. The name zhuanshu translates to "seal script" because it was primarily used for seals and inscriptions on bronze vessels and stone drums. There are two main forms of zhuanshu: greater seal script (dazhuan) and lesser seal script (xiaozhuan). Greater seal script is less standardized and varies more in form. Lesser seal script, which became the official script of the Qin Dynasty, is more uniform and regularized. It was standardized by Prime Minister Li Si under the order of Qin Shi Huang. The characters in zhuanshu are typically uniform in thickness and structure, with an emphasis on curves and flowing lines. The strokes are often rounded and symmetrical. While no longer used for everyday writing, zhuanshu remains an important script for artistic purposes, calligraphy, and historical study. Its aesthetic qualities continue to be appreciated, and it is often seen in decorative contexts. The study of zhuanshu provides insight into the evolution of Chinese characters and the history of Chinese art and culture.