On 10 August 2023, UNPA issues three stamps and three souvenir sheets on the theme “Body, Mind and Soul”. When body, mind and soul are in harmony, one experiences good health, inner peace, and happiness. The stamps represent three UNESCO intangible cultural heritage from China that contribute to reaching such harmony – the practices of Taijiquan, Calligraphy and Guqin and its music.
CHF 1,10 STAMP AND CHF 2,30 SOUVENIR SHEET – CHINESE CALLIGRAPHY
Chinese calligraphy, which is the art of drawing Chinese characters, combines purely visual art and interpretation of the literary meaning. Calligraphy established itself as the most important ancient Chinese art form, alongside painting, first coming to the fore during the Han dynasty (206 BCE–220 CE).
Whether they are transcribing information or simply creating beautiful forms, calligraphers’ brushes are used to ink five distinctive styles of script, known as “seal”, “official”, “cursive”, “running” and “regular”. The art may appear on any writing surface, but it is especially common on letters, scrolls, works of literature and fan coverings.
Calligraphy offers an important channel for the appreciation of traditional culture and for arts education. It is also a source of pride and pleasure for the Chinese people and embodies important aspects of the country’s intellectual and artistic heritage.
Chinese calligraphy was inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2009.
