The development of early Hong Kong calligraphy is the result of the transfer of traditions from the Mainland at a time when the colony was under relative stable British rule whereas China was suffering from prolonged political turmoil. It is marked by a rather conservative character that does not emphasize artistic innovation. The literary men of the 1920s and 1930s did not strive for new styles, let alone the yilao. On a deeper level, early Hong Kong calligraphy is noted not just for its artistic achievements but also its cultural significance since the calligraphers' defense of their national culture can largely be regarded as a reaction to the severe challenges faced by their country. / The development of Hong Kong calligraphy in the first half of the 20 th century can be traced back to the time when the traditions of calligraphy were brought in by the yilao, or ex-officials from the Qing, and other literary men who migrated to the colony. To put the discussion in its proper perspective, the thirty-year development of Hong Kong calligraphy since 1911 is preceded by a brief survey of the activities of the literary circles led by Wang Tao and Pan Feisheng during late 19th and early 20th century. The main body is then divided into three sections. The first is the cultural activities of the yilao, such as literary gatherings, promotion of Chinese classics and poetry, and their calligraphy. The second is the calligraphy and activities of literary men other than the yilao as represented by three organizations, namely the Hong Kong Branch of Chinese Painting Research Society, Hong Kong Society of Calligraphy, Painting and Literature, and Association of Promoting Chinese Culture. These individuals and organizations made up the art circles in general of the 1920s and 1930s where calligraphy thrived along with painting and literature, and gave rise to a great variety of styles. The third focuses on how calligraphy, traditionally an elitist art, gradually became popular as reflected in numerous gatherings, exhibitions, education and the art market as Hong Kong calligraphy adapted itself to the modern society. Interrelated, these three aspects and hence the history of early Hong Kong calligraphy are impacted by factors such as demographic changes, geographical proximity, the tradition of stele and model-calligraphy, and the preservation of cultural heritage. / This thesis discusses the calligraphy of Hong Kong from 1911 to 1941 in a historical and cultural context, and examines the activities and artistic styles of major calligraphers and members of important art organizations so as to understand the development and cultural significance of early Hong Kong calligraphy. / 陳雅飛. / Adviser: Mok Kar Harold Leung. / Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 70-06, Section: A, page: 1813. / Thesis (doctoral)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2008. / Includes bibliographical references (p. 285-326). / Electronic reproduction. Hong Kong : Chinese University of Hong Kong, [2012] System requirements: Adobe Acrobat Reader. Available via World Wide Web. / Electronic reproduction. [Ann Arbor, MI] : ProQuest Information and Learning, [200-] System requirements: Adobe Acrobat Reader. Available via World Wide Web. / Abstracts in Chinese and English. / School code: 1307. / Chen Yafei.

published_or_final_version / Architecture / Master / Master of Architecture