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Running Script (Xingshu) is characterized by its fluidity, connectivity, and expressiveness. These key characteristics set it apart from more structured scripts like Kaishu and give it its unique artistic charm. Understanding these principles is essential for appreciating and practicing Xingshu. One of the defining features of Xingshu is its flowing lines. The brush moves more freely across the paper, resulting in strokes that are more dynamic and less rigid than in Kaishu. The strokes appear to flow from one to the next, almost as if the artist is writing one continuous line, even though the strokes are still often separate. Unlike the distinct and individual strokes of Kaishu, Xingshu often connects strokes within a character or between adjacent characters. These connections can be partial or full, and they create a sense of movement and unity within the writing. These linkages are what give the script its flowing characteristics. Xingshu is also known for its expressive potential. Calligraphers can vary the speed, pressure, and angle of their strokes, allowing for personal expression. The style is very much a reflection of the personality of the artist who created the piece. The balance of legibility and expressiveness is another key aspect. While Xingshu is more fluid and dynamic than Kaishu, it is still designed to be reasonably legible. It finds a balance between artistic license and the practical demands of writing. |
Tag : xingshu characteristics, running script flow, connecting strokes, expressive calligraphy, calligraphy styles
This article discusses the historical development of Running Script, focusing on its origins, its peak during the Tang Dynasty with masters like Wang Xizhi, and its continuing evolution throughout different historical periods.
This article emphasizes the importance of the heart and mind in Running Script, highlighting how the calligrapher’s inner state, intention, and emotional engagement are reflected in the strokes, and how the practice is a path to both artistic and personal growth.
In the vast landscape of Chinese calligraphy, certain works transcend mere artistic skill, resonating with profound human emotion. One such piece is Yan Zhenqing’s Ji Zhi Wen Gao (祭侄文稿), often translated as Draft of a Requiem to My Nephew or Draft of a Memorial to My Nephew. This intensely personal and emotionally charged work is not just a masterpiece of calligraphy but also a poignant testament to grief, loyalty, and the ravages of war.
This article explores the concept of “energy flow” (qìliú) in Running Script, detailing how it connects the calligrapher's inner energy with the strokes of the brush and how it creates a dynamic sense of movement and vitality.
Discover practical tips for practicing Running Script (Xingshu) and developing your own unique style. Learn about stroke practice, brush control, and the balance of imitation and personal expression.