“Calligraphy” and “Qi” from the Perspective of Philosophy of Information—From the Perspective of Chinese Calligraphy Theory

“Qi” plays an important role in Chinese Calligraphy Theory. “Qi” deeply embodies the spirit of Taoism and philosophical speculation with Oriental characteristics and can reflect the core and composition of traditional Chinese art aesthetics. The “qi” of calligraphy determines the character of calligraphy works and is the soul of calligraphy. When “qi” is weak, the quality of calligraphy works is poor, but calligraphy works will have a high style when they are full of “qi”. “qi” governs the aesthetic evaluation and artistic creation of Chinese calligraphy, which runs through the whole history of Chinese calligraphy. From the point of view of Chinese philosophy of information, “qi” is a kind of comprehensive information conveyed in calligraphy works. Calligraphy works should capture important information in such aspects as handwriting potential, romantic charm, strength, significance and antiquity, so as to form the unique character of calligraphers.