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Calligraphy in the Tang Dynasty was not just an art form; it was also an essential tool used in administrative, legal, and religious contexts. The need for clear and legible writing in official documents and sacred texts led to the widespread adoption of Kaishu and the development of specialized calligraphic styles for different purposes. The practical applications of the script helped to establish and further define its form. Administrative documents, such as imperial edicts, official records, and tax registers, needed to be clear, accurate, and readily accessible. The need for clear and reliable record keeping led to a more formal and standardized script style. The standardized nature of the script helped with official record keeping. Buddhist sutras and other religious texts were carefully transcribed by calligraphers, who approached their work as a form of spiritual devotion. The religious context often inspired both diligence and artistic innovation. These contexts helped to shape the stylistic choices of the day. The use of calligraphy in administrative and religious settings reflects the importance of the written word in Tang Dynasty society. The practical applications helped to elevate the status of calligraphy. The script was vital to both daily life and also spiritual practice. The widespread use of Kaishu in practical contexts contributed to its standardization and development as a versatile and influential script. The versatility of the script is one of its most important features. The widespread use of the script helped to make it a common element of the Tang Dynasty. |
Tag : Tang Dynasty documents, Kaishu administration, religious calligraphy, Chinese historical texts, calligraphy applications
The "Four Great Masters" are a group of highly celebrated calligraphers, primarily from the Tang Dynasty, who are recognized for their exceptional contributions to Regular Script calligraphy. They are:Yan Zhenqing(颜真卿) Liu Gongquan (柳公权) Ouyang Xun (欧阳询) Zhao Mengfu (赵孟頫)
This article explores the emotional range of Tang Kaishu, highlighting how calligraphers used brushstrokes, ink density, and composition to convey a wide spectrum of human emotions, demonstrating the expressive power of this seemingly formal script.
The aesthetic impact of kaishu is deeply intertwined with the intricate technicalities of its brushwork, where each stroke is a carefully executed expression of the calligrapher’s skill and artistic vision. This essay will focus on analyzing the nuances of these individual strokes, demonstrating how they combine to form a visual language. We will begin by revisiting the “永字八法” (Yong character’s eight principles), which are the foundational strokes of kaishu. We will go beyond a mere description of the strokes to analyze the nuances of their execution, looking at the specific angles, speeds, and pressures required to achieve their intended forms. The emphasis is on how the brush moves across the paper, and the subtle transitions in each stroke.
The final essay in this series will synthesize the key themes discussed throughout, culminating in an understanding of how the seemingly rigid structure of kaishu creates a universe of balanced proportions and profound beauty. We will reiterate the central principles of kaishu—the “永字八法” (Yong character’s eight principles), structural proportions, and the consistent application of technical skills—emphasizing how these principles combine to create the script’s characteristic order. We will discuss how this structured approach provides a framework for expressive possibilities, where even minute variations can have a significant impact on the aesthetic character of the work.
This article focuses on Ouyang Xun, highlighting his mastery of structure and precision in Tang Kaishu, his meticulous brushstrokes, balanced compositions, his famous “Jiucheng Palace Stele,” and his lasting influence on the script.