clerical script

English

Clerical script from the Ming dynasty.

Usage of a modern digitized clerical script font on a sign.

Alternative forms

• (uncommon) clerkly script

Etymology

Calque from Chinese 隸書／隶书 (lìshū). Tradition holds that clerical script developed out of the needs of clerks.

Noun

clerical script (uncountable)

1. An archaic style of Chinese calligraphy, dominant during the Han dynasty. Characters are rather wide (in comparison with modern styles), with long, bold, and deliberate sweeping strokes. Unlike the preceding seal script, it is still legible to modern Chinese, and thus is usually used decoratively.

Translations

style of Chinese calligraphy

• Chinese:

  Mandarin: 隸書／隶书 (zh) (lìshū)

• Finnish: kirjurikirjoitus