Chu Suiliang Yique Buddhist niche inscription

Author: Compiled by the Press
Publisher:
Publication Date: 2000-12-01
Features: This book is one of the series "Chinese Stele Classics," showcasing the Yi Que Fo Kan Stele by Chu Suiliang. The calligraphy in this collection is well-proportioned, with graceful and vigorous brushwork, and elegant structure and layout. This collection not only holds high artistic and collectible value but also allows calligraphy enthusiasts to appreciate the ideal realm of classical Chinese calligraphy—softness implying hardness, and outward gentleness concealing inner strength. Beginners can practice by copying each character's brushwork, structure, and composition. This collection is truly a rare treasure and can be considered the best model for beginners.
Regular script flourished during the Tang Dynasty. Early Tang regular script was characterized by its lean and firm style, while after the mid-Tang, a preference for fuller and more powerful beauty emerged, reflecting the differences in aesthetic tastes of the times. In reality, "lean" and "full" are merely differences in appearance, but both must be kept within a certain "measure." Lean calligraphy should be refined, rich, and lustrous, without appearing hollow; full calligraphy should be abundant, strong, and majestic, without appearing flabby. This is a dynamic balance, a harmonious beauty full of variation. This aesthetic perspective, with its constant interplay and perpetual vitality, showcases the maturity and diversity of Tang regular script, providing us with invaluable resources for studying calligraphy today.
However, it cannot be denied that the more distinctive a work's style, the more pronounced the individual's brush characteristics become. If beginners imitate such works improperly, they may easily be overwhelmed by their form. Therefore, when selecting steles and calligraphy collections, people often prefer works with more originality, hoping to find creative inspiration through copying. This is indeed an excellent learning method. Among the numerous Tang steles, the work with the least habitual style is undoubtedly Chu Suiliang's Yi Que Fo Kan Stele.
Chu Suiliang was born in the 16th year of Emperor Wen of Sui (959) and died in the 3rd year of Emperor Xiangzhen of Tang (859). He was styled Dengshan and was from Qiantang, Hangzhou, Zhejiang. He was known as Chu Henan because he rose to the position of Right Vice Minister of State. His father, Chu Liang, was a scholar at the Literature Hall under Emperor Taizong of Tang, and both Yu Shinan and Ouyang Xun were close friends of his father. Therefore, Chu Suiliang, as a junior, formed connections with them and was greatly influenced. His calligraphy initially emulated Yu Shinan, later tracing back to the works of the Wang family and Han dynasty clerical script. The oldest existing rubbing, inscribed by He Yulangen and collected by Bi Yuan, is now preserved in the Beijing Library. This cliff carving has 33 lines, with 51 characters per line. The best rubbing has been selected for photolithography to delight calligraphy enthusiasts.