"Flower letter" first originated in the Wei, Jin, Southern and Northern Dynasties, and was also called "flower letter" by people at that time. Hua is the name of a flower, a cursive writing method with particularity and individuality; the original meaning of zhi refers to the signature or special symbol left on contracts, documents, etc. to prove one's identity.
Monograms, as the name suggests, are self-certifying signatures or symbols in various styles and forms. The historical development of monogram spans multiple dynasties, among which the fastest development period was undoubtedly the Song Dynasty. The monograms of the Song Dynasty reached unprecedented peaks in aesthetics, connotation and form. They not only played a great role in real society, but also had a profound impact on later generations. What is monogram?
I believe many friends do not have a clear understanding of the term monogram, and may even confuse it with "monogram". After all, the two have similar names and similar pronunciations. But in fact, the monogram is much more elegant and romantic than the "paint".
The development of monograms shows the vigorous cultural development and the surge of individualization in the Song Dynasty. The literati and poets of this period can be said to be at the highest peak in the cultural history of Chinese history. The monogram is an alternative "personal signature" of the ancients. It can be said to be a starting point for the personalized and non-mainstream culture we are pursuing now. It is a spiritual and cultural pursuit, regardless of whether you are literate or not, and how many people are in your belly. Sheng ink, even the old woman who can't read has her own "monogram".
The Song Dynasty monogram is actually somewhat similar to our current artistic signatures. Generally, it is not required to be neatly written, and it can even be "not like a word". It must be non-replicable, difficult to imitate, and highly recognizable. . But to a certain extent, people with a higher level of education can also design "monograms" with more beauty and cultural connotation. Although the Song Dynasty was already the feudal dynasty with the most educated civilians, it can still be seen from the monograms. What is the master's knowledge and aesthetics? What are the background reasons for the emergence of monograms and what are their influences?
The Song Dynasty was a dynasty that left a strong mark on China’s feudal history. Monograms can be said to be an integral part of the history of Chinese culture and A rare icing on the cake in cultural history. A dynasty that ushered in the prosperity of education in China for the next thousand years, an era that played a huge cultural role in connecting the past and the future. Monogram developed in the Song Dynasty and reached its peak in the Song Dynasty. Similarly, it also made the Song Dynasty possible.
A series of cultural things that came to light in the Song Dynasty, such as Song Ci, Cheng-Zhu Neo-Confucianism, Xinxue, and civilian literature, all played an irreplaceable and important role in the development of monogram. The most important feature of monograms is their personal characteristics and style. It must be valuable that the social atmosphere of the Song Dynasty tolerated the development of this type of culture.
The reasons and background of the emergence of the monogram
The Song Dynasty can be said to be a paradise for scholars - the emperors of the Song Dynasty had a political phenomenon of "valuing civil servants over military attachés" since Zhao Kuangyin founded the Song Dynasty. Especially under the example of the "romantic genius" Song Huizong's enthusiastic pursuit of art and literature, it can be said that the pursuit of culture and art throughout the Song Dynasty reached an almost obsessive level.
Most literati have character and like to pursue differences. Monogram, as a cultural thing that "forces to be different", took advantage of the cultural characteristics of the Song Dynasty and spread and developed in the Song Dynasty - the meticulous painting of the Song Dynasty The fact that painting has become the pinnacle of literati painting artistic attainments can also prove this point.
It can be said that the important cultural reason for the emergence of monograms is the culture of the Song Dynasty and the people's love and enthusiasm for cultural things that show the character of literati and highlight their own personalities. Monograms just fit this point: with a light stroke, it is completed in one go. , not asking for everyone to recognize it, just asking for individuality to be evaporated, and so on, and I am afraid that only the monogram can satisfy it.
Secondly, it is out of practical considerations. In ancient times, there were no advanced information services, and identification could not be based on fingerprints, biometrics, etc. One of the important tools to prove a person's identity was the monogram.
The basic requirement for monograms is that they come in different shapes and have certain individual differences, and it must be "identifiable in monograms".
In addition, important political objects such as tiger charms, jade seals, etc. all need to be supplemented by the emperor's own characteristic monogram for verification. Only after they are correctly identified can they truly take effect. This is the best way for the ruler to approve the development of monograms and promote the use of monograms. root cause.
What influence has monogram had in history?
As a personalized font signature with Chinese characters as the matrix, monogram actually also To a certain extent, it promoted the spread of Han culture and accelerated the development of calligraphy art in the Song Dynasty to a higher level.
Today, many Song Dynasty monograms displayed in different forms and written by different classes have been unearthed. They can not only be used as important archaeological materials to study the history of the Song Dynasty, but also greatly enrich the connotation of Chinese classical culture. .
In addition to being a practical tool to assist government officials in population verification and verification of the exercise of political power on special political items, "monograms" can also be regarded as an integral part of literature. , it can be regarded as an important window and way for literati to satisfy their own aesthetic needs and display their personality. It can also be regarded as a work of art with rich connotations and profound implications. At certain times, as a cultural product, it is likely to have an impact on those who appreciate it. plays an important role.
At the same time, monogram is essentially a language tool for communication. Although there are relatively large differences in the way of writing and presentation between individuals, it is undeniable that it still has an effective communication function. Conclusion
Although the Song Dynasty was one of the few dynasties in ancient Chinese feudal society that popularized civilian education, due to the limitations of the times, it was still unable to meet the needs of government-organized activities to verify personal identity. This was also the role of "monogram" in ancient times. The main reason why society has survived for thousands of years. The reason why monograms ushered in a leap-forward development in the Song Dynasty was mainly because it not only met the practical needs of the Song Dynasty government, but also cleverly catered to the inner needs of the Song Dynasty literati, allowing them to demonstrate their uniqueness and aesthetics. Hobby.
The monograms of Song Huizong, Su Shi and other scribes seem to future generations not only as personal signatures, but also as embodying history, culture and emotions of family and country.
In fact, looking at modern society, monograms are just active around us in a different way of existence - signature design stores, personalized cultural products, etc. are everywhere, not so much monograms It is a historical and cultural thing that has been passed down for thousands of years. Rather, it is a kind of personalized spirit, a kind of Chinese wisdom and Chinese pursuit! Reference materials
"Menglianglu"
"West Lake" Travel Chronicles"
"Dragonfly Picture of a Slave"
"Song Dynasty: The Dawn of Modern Times"