Why was calligraphy once considered a higher art than painting?

HISTORY of CALLIGRAPHY: From Sacred Texts to Internet Memes | Domestika English · 5:22 · Video: Domestika English · Watch at the source

In short: In an era of instant digital text, the history of calligraphy reveals a complex evolution from sacred duty to high art.

This video explores the cultural paradoxes of calligraphy across different civilizations. It examines why Chinese culture historically elevated calligraphy above painting as a superior art form, contrasting this with the experiences of medieval European scribes who often viewed the labor-intensive practice as a tiresome chore.

By tracing these divergent perspectives, the content highlights how the perception of handwriting has shifted from a spiritual and artistic pinnacle to a manual task, and finally to its modern role in our digital landscape.

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