EAST LIVERPOOL—One of the greatest assets of the Kent State East Liverpool Campus is its diverse faculty. Tuesday afternoon, China native Dr. Qunxing Ding spoke to a gathering of faculty, students and staff about Chinese Culture and language in the quiet study lounge. The presentation was part of a “brown-bag” luncheon series.
Dr. Ding’s presentation focused on Chinese script. He discussed the earliest documentation of Chinese characters found on pottery, wood, and even bone, dating as far back as 3200 B.C.E. and the utensils used to create their unique characters. Tools used included special knives used to write on stone and a brush called a “pen with hairs” used for writing.Dr. Ding also spoke of yan, which are receptacles used to hold carbon and dye mixed with a small amount of water to create ink. Although the yans are not as commonly used today, they have a decorative and historic element that can be appreciated by anyone.
The yan are ornately carved from a variety of materials. The largest, only a mere two weeks old, measures an astonishing 30 meters in length. It has 56 detailed carvings of dragons ranging in size from 1.2 meters to 12 centimeters. This particular yan is not used for writing; instead it is an exhibit for a public park.
After obtaining his initial degree in Beijing, Ding arrived in the United States in 1997 to complete his doctorate in biological science. He met his wife here while completing his education. They have been married nine years and have a 7-year-old son.
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Photo by Allison Brookes
