This article presents iconic examples of Running Script calligraphy, including Wang Xizhi's "Preface to the Orchid Pavilion Gathering," Yan Zhenqing's "Draft of a Requiem to My Nephew," and Su Shi’s works, to showcase the depth and range of the script.
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.
An introduction to Chinese Cursive Script (Cao Shu), exploring its origins, characteristics, historical figures, and enduring appeal as an art form.
Explore the works of famous calligraphers who mastered Running Script (Xingshu), including Wang Xizhi, Wang Xianzhi, and Zhao Mengfu. Learn about their unique styles and contributions to this expressive art form.
Wang Xizhi is universally acknowledged as the greatest calligrapher in Chinese history, and his work in running script set the standard for centuries to come. This essay will delve into his life, his artistic philosophy, and the distinctive features of his xingshu style that have shaped the course of Chinese calligraphy. We begin with an overview of the historical and cultural context in which Wang Xizhi lived and worked, highlighting his role as a scholar-official and his deep engagement with the arts. This section will emphasize the influence of his background on his approach to calligraphy.
In the annals of Chinese calligraphy, one work stands out as an emblem of artistic brilliance and spontaneous expression: the Lanting Xu, or “Preface to the Poems Collected at the Orchid Pavilion,” by the famed calligrapher Wang Xizhi. Composed around 353 AD, this piece is more than just a text; it is a window into the artistic spirit of a man considered the Sage of Calligraphy and a testament to the profound connection between art, nature, and emotion.