A Comparative Study of Two Different Artistic Traditions: The Art of Calligraphy in China and Pakistan
Keywords:
Calligraphy , Chinese Art, Islamic Art, Islamic Calligraphy, Chinese Calligraphy , Traditional Art, CPEC, Chinese Culture, Pakistani Culture, Pakistani Art, Syncretic Culture, SyncretismAbstract
Abstract
China-Pak Economic Corridor (CPEC) is a framework of national regional connectivity, and its prime concern is to develop economies of both countries. There is no gainsaying that this social, economic and cultural intercourse between two distinctive geographical regions, cultures and religions will draw far-reaching impact mainly on Pakistani ways of life. China has the biggest irreligious population, while Pakistan represents strict Islamic religious values and norms. Because of the CPEC Project, cultural friction due to Chinese influx in Pakistan might occur. Considering the great probability of cultural friction, this study endeavors to explore possibilities for the cultural intercourse of two opposite cultural traditions. This paper focuses on the common artistic tradition of calligraphy art in Pakistan and China. The study put the Pakistani or Islamic calligraphy in comparison with the historic Chinese calligraphy and analyses their philosophical and aesthetic approaches, tangible artistic expressions, cultural mindset and tools and materials used in both respected traditions. It endeavors to explore the differences and commonalities of two different forms of the art of calligraphy, which may help us to enhance our understanding of academic, cultural and regional knowledge, and artistic traditions of two different nations with opposite aesthetic, social and spiritual traditions.
