The correct format for calligraphy signatures

The signature refers to the writing content in the calligraphy work except the main text content. The calligraphy signature, not just the tail, includes all the writing content of the author in the calligraphy work except the main text content. A complete signature includes: the source of the text content, recipient, reason for creation, creation time, author's name, font size, etc.

The signature format of calligraphy couplets is generally divided into two types: single paragraph and upper and lower paragraphs.

1. Single paragraph:

If there is a lower paragraph but no upper paragraph, it is called a single paragraph. A single paragraph may include the contents of the upper paragraph, or it may not include the contents of the upper paragraph. If there is no recipient for the gift of the book, only a single payment will be made.

Single styles are divided into long styles, short styles, and poor styles. The long paragraph is to write the time, name, and location at the source of the text, followed by the author's feelings or reasons for creating this work.

2. Double style:

Double style means that the recipient of the book and the writer are placed above and below respectively. The former is the upper style and the latter is the lower style. The first paragraph states the title, source, and name of the recipient of the work; the second paragraph describes the year and month of creation, the place of creation, the name of the author, etc.

Basic format of calligraphy signature:

1. Couplet style:

Couplet is a relatively common form of calligraphy, which is divided into upper couplet and lower couplet. Generally, they are works with large characters. Therefore, when signing the signature, you should pay attention to two aspects: First, the issue of poor funds. The poor payment means that the number of words in the inscription is very small. Generally, the year can be written on the first couplet, and the position is written below the first big character of the couplet, such as "Ren Yin Chun". The signature on the second line can be written in your own name, which is simple and clear. You can also use the long paragraph method for signature, that is, write the signature in small characters on both sides of the large characters in the main text and the second couplet. When the signature level is high, this method is very suitable. It not only shows the author's small character skills, but also makes the large characters more popular. The work shows a rich and lush feeling. The content of the signature can be an explanation of the content of the couplet, or it can be an ancient poem related to it. Finally, write the title of the text, the year and month of writing, and the name of the writer.

2. Six-foot style:

It can be divided into vertical or horizontal style. The general position of the vertical signature is on a new line after the main text. Nowadays, some people write such signatures in two lines. The difference between the signature and the main text is that if it is divided into two lines, the signature content in the first line should be It is an annotation or reference to the relevant content of the text. The second line contains the writing time, the name of the writer, where it was written, etc.

3. Fighting method:

Doufang is also a common form of calligraphy works. Some teachers often write four big characters when writing Dou Fang. When signing, they can write the content of the signature in the middle position. This format is relatively new and can be written in one or two lines. Some teachers still like to put the signature on the far left. In fact, this writing method comes from the form of ancient works.

4. Fan style:

There are many forms of fans, such as square, round, fan-shaped, etc., but the signature form of the fan is not limited to one type. Rather, it is determined based on the needs of the formal expression of calligraphy works. Let's take the fan shape as an example to illustrate the signature form of fan calligraphy works. In the fan shape, although the font shape changes according to the change of the fan surface, the signature must still be placed after the body of the work. This is also a common form, and its content is the same as above.

The format of the calligraphy signature is as follows:

(1) The characters in the signature should not be larger than the characters in the main text theme. The font size should be smaller and coordinated than the main text.

(2) The title cannot be placed on top of the entire text. There are many such situations in national exhibitions, which is very inappropriate.

(3) The seal must not be larger than the signed words. A large seal on a large scale and a small seal on a small scale.

(4) The font of the signature is usually "wengujinjin" or "wenzhengjinhuo". A detailed analysis is: no seal script for official script, no official script for regular script, and no regular script for cursive script; the main text is oracle bone script , bronze inscriptions, large and small seal scripts, seal script, Zhang cursive, regular script, and running script can be used for inscription; if the main text is official script, regular script, or Wei stele, regular script or running script can be used for inscription; in practice, the most commonly used inscription font is running script, which is easy to recognize and vivid.

(5) Avoid using your own writing habits too much, especially in the early stages of creation. Because our creations often rely on a certain copybook or a certain calligrapher, if we write according to our own writing habits, it will definitely be inconsistent with the style and appearance of the text, let alone coordinated.

Therefore, the signature should also follow the same writing habits and general style as the main text.

Some common sense about calligraphy signing:

1. Title

Elders: my teacher, senior, Taoist priest, sir, madam.

Equal or junior generation: brother, younger brother, dear brother, respected brother, eldest brother, wise brother (brother), benevolent brother (brother), Taoist brother, Taoist friend, Xueyou, Fang family, Mr., Miss, Fa Home (a term for calligraphy, painting or expertise in a certain area)

Relationship is relatively close: learn (benevolent brother), my brother (brother)

Teacher to students: learn (benevolent brother) , Xue (Ren) Di, Xianqi, Xiandi.

Classmate: senior, senior, classmate, classmate, seatmate.

2. The polite or respectful words for the above paragraph

Ya belongs to, Ya appreciates, Ya criticizes, Yajian, Yajiao, Yazheng, Yacun, Zhencun, Huicun, Qing Jian, qinglan, qingpin, qinggen, qingshang, qingzheng, qinghe, qingjiao, qingwan, jianke, jianzheng, knocking right, huizheng, gizheng, xuzheng, fazheng, bojian, respectjian , Dharma Jian, Dharma Teaching, Bo Jiao, Da Jiao, Daya, Can Zheng, Yi Xiao, Xiao Cun, Xiao Jian, Gen, Jian, Wan.

3. The following words of courtesy or words of respect

Calligraphy inscriptions are used: respectful books, worship books, respectful books, pauses, belonging books, drunk books, mouth pens, essays, Opera script, festival script, book, record, title, pen, writing, script, seal script.

4. Seal cutting edges are used for: engraving, recording, making, stone making, and seal cutting.

5. Date

There are various methods of expressing dates in calligraphy and painting works of the past dynasties. By understanding the date, we can grasp the style and appearance of the calligrapher's works in different periods when reading the inscriptions and calligraphy works, and understand the age and historical background of a calligraphy work, which is helpful for improving our own appreciation of calligraphy and painting. A certain amount of help.