Chinese Calligraphy: From Pictograph to Ideogram: the History of 214 Essential Chinese/japanese Characters

Chinese is based on 214 symbols, or radicals. Centuries ago these symbols were adopted by the Japanese as well. Each symbol—which means the same thing to the Japanese even though it is called by different names—is delightfully explored in this unique book, providing an unusual way to penetrate a rich, mysterious world and learn how a written language can reflect the philosophy of an entire culture.