Han Clerical Script (汉隶)

Han Dynasty (206 BC – 220 AD) · Classical Chinese calligraphy guide

The bold, flat script of Han dynasty steles — famous for its sweeping "silkworm head, swallow tail" strokes.

汉隶

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History of Han Clerical Script

Han Dynasty (206 BC – 220 AD). Clerical script emerged during the Qin-Han transition as a faster, flatter way to write official records. Han dynasty bureaucracy — thousands of bamboo-slip documents and memorial steles — demanded a script that was quicker than seal script but still formal enough for government use.

The Han steles (汉碑) carved in this script are the backbone of Chinese calligraphy history. The Cao Quan Stele, discovered in 157 AD, is celebrated for its elegant, fluent strokes and is a textbook model for learners today.

Clerical script sits at the exact midpoint of Chinese writing history: after it, cursive and regular script both evolved, but Lishu never disappeared — it remains a living style for headings, signs and calligraphy art.

Masterwork: The Cao Quan Stele (曹全碑, 185 AD) is the most-practiced clerical script model, prized for its graceful, flowing brushwork.

Representative Masters

• Cheng Miao (程邈) — Traditionally credited as the creator of clerical script. Notable works: Classic source of the clerical tradition.
• The Stele Masters of Han (汉碑名家) — Anonymous carvers of the great Han steles. Notable works: Cao Quan Stele (曹全碑), Yi Ying Stele (乙瑛碑).

Formal Features of Han Clerical Script

• Silkworm head, swallow tail (蚕头燕尾). The signature horizontal stroke starts thick and round like a silkworm head and ends in a flared, wavy "swallow tail" — the most recognizable feature of Lishu.
• Flat, wide structure. Unlike the tall seal script, clerical script characters spread horizontally — low and wide, like a person bowing humbly.
• Exaggerated wave strokes. One dominant wavy stroke per character creates rhythm; the "one wave, three folds" (一波三折) rule gives each character its dance.

Why Choose Han Clerical Script for Your Chinese Name

Han Clerical Script gives a name warmth and antiquity with a touch of playfulness. Its sweeping waves make it a favorite for name artwork, banners and traditional restaurant or tea-house signage.

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Other Calligraphy Styles

Small Seal Script (小篆) · Yuan Regular Script (元楷) · Semi-Cursive Script (行书) · Wild Cursive Script (狂草)

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