Chapter Three: The Asian Contribution

Chapter three described how China had an impact on graphic design. The Chinese invented fireworks, paper, printing, and the compass—all found to be very useful for the Europeans. In China, their visual language was not comprised of an alphabet; instead, different shaped lines were used within an imaginary square. These lines were easily deciphered and were depictions of parts of nature. They intended on using abstract designs to symbolize feelings, actions, colors, and sizes. These symbols were called logograms; they represented entire words. Different types of writing forms were used, including: Chiaku-wen (bone-and-shell)—earliest form, used to communicate with gods/ancestors; Chin-wen (bronze script)—inscribed on mirrors, instruments, coins, weapons; Hsiao Chuan (small-seal)—abstract curves and circles; Chen-Shu (regular style)—highest art form in China, painting/calligraphy. Calligraphy had a structure to it; it was comprised of bones, meat, blood, and muscle. Thick lines represented heaviness, sadness, anger, deepness, whereas thin lines stood for lightness and exuberance. Calligraphy could be lively and energetic or mellow and delicate. Paper was another invention of the Chinese people. Ts’ai was the god of papermakers, but there was debate whether he was the true inventor or not. Paper was stronger and absorbed the ink much better. Wrapping paper, toilet paper, napkins, and wallpaper could be created by gluing the sheets of paper together. Printing—a major breakthrough in history—was invented later on. Relief printing was the first type; negative space was cut away and the design was pressed on paper with ink. There eventually became a shortage of iron money, so paper money was created. Millions of notes were printed each year. Religious scripts were developed, and so were playing cards. Movable type was another contribution the Chine had. A “lazy susan” was a spinning table top with an assortment of character types. The compositor would sit and spin the top for certain characters.

The most interesting thing I learned about from this chapter was how many different inventions were made from paper. I did not expect toilet paper, napkins, wallpaper, and wrapping paper to be mentioned. The products all sound so modern. Also I found it interesting how calligraphy could express feeling by line thickness/thinness.

I would have assumed that abstract designs would be harder to decipher than realistic designs, like in hieroglyphics. The book mentioned that it was easier. How is that?