Calligraphers of Post-Han China(focusing on Tang dynasty)

Stephen Brownlee

Overview Why are famous calligraphers important?

Wang Xi Zhi’s legacy

Tang dynasty calligraphers and some historically important script styles ( 欧体，柳体，颜体 )

“Crazy” cursive

Why are calligraphy “masters” important?

1. Calligraphy/writing represents the self“An upright heart makes for an upright brush” -柳公權

Calligraphy seen as an expression of own’s personality and character. Keep in mind the general importance of writing in Chinese civilization

2. LegacyCalligraphy was passed down through generations firsthand—

influential calligraphers established legacies that were carried down through history, even today (in classrooms, on monuments). Clunas describes the imitation of famous calligraphers as a “communion of spirit”

3. Sociopolitical systemThe most famous calligraphers of their time represented elite -

enjoyed high rankings in government bodies, and were also commissioned to inscribe building and palace signs

4. Role in educationCalligraphy seen as an indicator of talent in Tang dynasty, and was

included as a science in the national academy.

Timeline Styles of 隶书 , 楷书，草书 , 行书 used inthe Han dynasty served as a basis foremerging calligraphers . Calligraphersshown here known for their 楷书 styles

Tang dynasty – peak of calligraphic appreciation, calligraphic theory became source of academic discourse.

Four great calligraphers of early tang (Yu Shinan, Ouyang Xun, Chu Suiliang, Xue Ji)

晉 Jìn (West & East) 王羲之 265–317/317–420

南北朝 nán běi cháo 420–589

隋 suí 歐陽詢 Ouyang xun 581–618

唐 táng褚遂良 ,顏真卿，柳公權

Chu suiliang,Yan zhenqing1,Liu gongquan2

618–907

王羲之 (306-331)

Learned from female teacher Wei Shuo, and imitated calligraphers of previous eras.

Displayed mastery of the three styles:隶，楷，草 .

His works extremely influential to subsequent generations.

His son, Wang Xianzhi had similar prestige.

Later celebrated by Emperor Tang Tai Zong ( 唐太宗 ) during the Tang dynasty.

“Sage of Calligraphy

欧体 歐陽詢 Ou1 Yang2xun2 (557-641)

Compiled an encyclopediaof literary works( 藝文類聚 ).

Served as scholar in both Sui and Tang dynasties. Taught calligraphy in Tang national academy.

started by imitating Wang Xizhi, then later blazed his own trail

Style of 楷书 that used rugged, focused strokes

Impacted future calligrapher 颜真卿 .

颜体 顏真卿 （ Yán Zhēnqīng ） 709-785

Originally a chief officer in modern-day Shandong province, aided in defeating rebel armies during Tang empire.

Studied calligraphy under Zhang Xu (see later slide).

Changed course from early Tang style and created his own style.

Noted for a dignified, stately, and majestic style.

柳体

combined elements of Ouyang Xun’s and Yan Zhenqing’s styles to create a new 楷书 style, which is thin and energetic and exceeds in structure and clarity.

Grouped together with Yan Zhenqing, “ 颜柳“ - Yan’s calligraphy is thought of as “sinew” and Liu’s as “bone.”

柳公權 Liǔ Gōngquán （ 778 － 865 ）

Innovations in Cursive Script張旭 Zhāng Xù (675-750?) 懷素 Huái Sù (737–799) [Tang]

Drunkenness next to godliness

Famous for finding inspiration from alcohol飲中八仙 (yǐnzhōng bāxīan)

张旭 known as the 草聖 “ cursive sage” Innovated free-form, wild, cursive scripts with less

emphasis on legibility ( 顛張醉素 )

Connection with others arts

Zhang Xu’s script is associated with other forms of art including sword dance and painting (Three talents of Tang Dynasty - 三绝 )

懷素 received recognition from Lǐ Bái , one of Tang dynasties most famous poets

Take-aways Calligraphy is a both a skill and a form of cultural heritage

handed down through generations. Its widespread practice gives it a cumulative nature that individuals contribute to by devising their own unique and personal embellishments.

Great calligraphers in history serve as cultural icons as well as points of reference for ideal technique and expressive ability. They commonly possess both an understanding of traditional styles as well as the creativity and inspiration necessary to infuse these older styles with their own aesthetic flair.

Status as a master calligrapher was on par with that of high governmental officials – in fact, it was not uncommon for calligraphers to fill both roles.

Discussion questions

1. Consider the significance attached to “imitating the greats” as a persistent educational model in imperial Chinese culture. Why do you think imitation was the primary method of learning and in what way might this have impacted the artistic vision and development of individuals?

2. Which type of calligraphic styles do you most admire – those that embellish traditional forms, or the wild, abstract forms that innovate – and why?

3. What characteristics allow certain calligraphers to stand out from others in history? Why did they become famous?

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