Veteran Jiang Hao prepares for lettering. [Photo/WeChat account: hafbwx]

Lettering is an art form wherein each letter in a phrase or quote acts as an illustration.

The art form originated in China's Zhou Dynasty (c.11th century-771 BC), culminated in the Han Dynasty (206 BC-220), and matured in the Southern and Northern Dynasties (420-581).

Modern lettering integrates calligraphy, seal cutting, painting, and modern design. However, it does not follow the fundamental rules of traditional calligraphy and provides artists with more creative freedom

Unfinished lettering works by Jiang Hao. [Photo/WeChat account: hafbwx]

The purpose of art is to experience spiritual pleasure, and veteran Jiang Hao in Hai'an, Nantong, a modern lettering enthusiast, has been doing just that.

Lettering works by Jiang Hao. [Photo/WeChat account: hafbwx]

Jiang has been engaged in modern lettering for more than 10 years, and years of practice have allowed him to carve letters directly on the wood board without doing a rough draft.

Jiang has also continuously improved upon the modern lettering art form to give his creations a particular artistic tension.

Lettering works by Jiang Hao. [Photo/WeChat account: hafbwx]

He said that he hopes his artworks will spark interest among young generations in China for the culture and techniques handed down for generations and help preserve traditional Chinese culture.