Calligraphy is the soul of Chinese characters and the lifeblood of Chinese civilization.
From the archaic simplicity of oracle bone inscriptions and bronze inscriptions, to the uniformity of Qin dynasty seal script and the vitality of Han dynasty clerical script; from the disciplined structure of Wei and Jin regular script, to the fluidity of running script and the untamed energy of cursive script—the birth of each script form reflects the spirit of its age.
Calligraphy has never been merely an art of lines. It embodies a vast spectrum of themes: the temperament of the calligrapher, the vibrant energy of living beings, prayers for blessings, the grandeur of mountains and rivers, the profundity of philosophical thought, the faithful transmission of classical verse, and the ideals of statecraft and official loyalty.
For centuries, countless individuals have devoted their lives to its study and practice. What makes calligraphy so compelling is that it is not merely an aesthetic pursuit, but a philosophy—and ultimately, a discipline of life itself. Between lifting the brush and setting it down, every nuance—the weight of the wrist, the speed of the brush tip, the density of the ink—is a true reflection of the inner state of mind.
The University Museum and Art Gallery, The University of Hong Kong is pleased to present the special exhibition Ink Rhymes Through a Millennium: Calligraphy by Cheung Cheuk Wai from 16 October 2026 through 10 January 2027. The display features works by the late Hong Kong calligrapher Cheung Cheuk Wai, covering a wide range of scripts and themes, showcasing the millennia-long history of Chinese characters. It offers a step into the world of brush and ink, to appreciate—between each stroke and each dot—not only Mr. Cheung’s lifelong devotion to calligraphy, but also the beauty of Chinese characters and the profound depth of Chinese culture.