Sadi(Samsung Art&Design Institute)
Communication Design Senior Project 2016
Understanding Hanzi, Kanji Typefaces
by Xianlu Yi
200pages, 21 x 29.7 cm, hand stitched binding, 2016
Supervisor Hyun-mee Kim
Contents & Design Hyun-noh Lee
Printing and Binding Datz Books
Language Korean
Contents
Current Use of Hanzi, Kanji
- Simplified Chinese(China)
- Traditional Chinese(Korea, Hong kong, Taiwan)
- Japanese Chinese(Japan)
The Basics of Hanzi, Kanji Typeface
- Strokes, Stroke Feature
- Spatial Structure of Hanzi, Kanji
- Center Sector, Central Point, Type-size
The 11 Hanzi, Kanji Typefaces
- Script Typefaces
Kaiti SC, TC
ST Fangsong
- Serif Typefaces
Songti SC, TC
Lisong Pro
PMingLiU
MS Mincho
- San-serif Typefaces
Lihei Pro
Hiragino Sans
Kozuka Gothic
Yuanti
Glossary
Bibliography
Background
Chinese characters are widely used in South Korea before 20th century. However, with the rise in demand for establishing the proper use of Korean language, Exclusive Usage of 'Hangul' Act has risen in 1948. As a result, Chinese characters are gradually disappeared from South Korean culture.
Due to the dawning of new ‘Asian age,’ Chinese characters have reappeared in South Korea. The trend has played a key role
in bridging the cultural gap between Korea, China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Japan. It also has influenced on the population
who visits South Korea. It indicates Chinese language is becoming as important as English.
Therefore, It has come to my attention that how much do we know about Chinese characters and how should we use it properly as a communication designer.
The Basics of Hanzi, Kanji Typefaces
The book starts with the basics. It is divided into three parts. First, the basic elements: strokes and strokes feature; second, spatial structure, a space which is formed by different shapes of strotkes; third, center sector, central point, type-size, which determines its legibility and readability.
To provide easier access, text typefaces ‘Lisong pro’ is chosen as the example for describing the contents.
The 11 Hanzi, Kanji Typefaces
Along with the Basics, the 11 typefaces are provided to explore more. They are selected by its historical significance and representation. The 11 typefaces, which are widely used in China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Japan, are selected to provide for
a balanced preview. In terms of practicality, built-in typefaces of Apple and Microsoft OS are selected by priority.
For a better understanding of each 11 typefaces, it suggests Roman and Korean typefaces along with the 11 typefaces
in accordance with its characteristic. Furthermore, cross-cultural posters are redesigned by using the suggested Roman
and Korean typefaces.
