Chinese calligraphy long considered the most sublime art form in China is like a carefully choreographed dance, its steps guided by tradition. By manipulating a brush with varied movements and pressures, calligraphers create sensuous strokes: their ink dances across surfaces of silk, satin, or paper, presenting balance within a character, harmony among words, and rhythm across lines of text. With mind and hand in accord, calligraphers express the strength of their character through their characters. Out of Character: Decoding Chinese Calligraphy is a compelling new exhibition examining the complexities of this time-honored art form through 40 calligraphies including 15 noted masterworks, many on public view for the first time, all borrowed from the significant collection of Bay Area entrepreneur Jerry Yang.

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

all text & images © Asian Art Museum