Gwen Yeh The Chinese writing system has evolved over thousands of years, from oracle bone inscriptions and seal script to regular script, ultimately developing into the typefaces commonly used in modern East Asia, driven by technologies such as movable type printing and phototypesetting. However, in today’s advancing digital age, type designers face a crucial decision: whether to follow the new glyph standards set by official regulations or preserve the characteristics of traditional inherited typefaces.
Traditional inherited typefaces embody the historical accumulation of Chinese characters. Representative works such as the “Dai Kan-Wa Jiten” (Comprehensive Chinese-Japanese Dictionary) not only preserve traditional glyph forms completely but also demonstrate a profound understanding of Chinese character culture. These typeface designs reflect the pursuit of structural integrity and aesthetic beauty during the movable type printing era, providing important references for modern design.
However, with the standardization of education and the development of computer technology, simplified new glyph standards have gradually become widespread. While this transformation has improved writing efficiency, it may also lead to a weakened understanding of traditional textual connotations. Therefore, balancing inheritance and innovation while promoting typeface innovation has become a crucial issue for contemporary designers.
This research will explore the intrinsic value of traditional inherited typefaces, analyze their potential applications in modern design, and propose innovative directions that incorporate modern design vocabulary while preserving traditional essence. Through this dialogue, we hope to create a more inclusive and forward-looking future for Chinese character design.