Wang Chong's "Poetry of the Western Garden"

Author: Wang Chong
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2003-01-01
Features: Wang Chong's calligraphy embodies the serene charm of the Jin dynasty. He initially studied Yu Shilin, acquiring a refined and unhurried style, with a subtle brushwork that concealed sharpness. Later, he learned from Wang Xianzhi and mastered the art of achieving elegance through simplicity, forging a unique style. His running script and small regular script are both airy and ethereal, distinct from his contemporaries. Wang Chong's calligraphy received high praise both in his time and later. The Three Wu Prefecture's Inscriptions on Regular Script described his regular script: "He initially learned from Yu Shilin and Zhi Yong, while his running script followed Wang Xianzhi. In his later years, he gradually developed his own style, achieving elegance through simplicity. His calligraphy is graceful and powerful, captivating and trend-setting, nearly rivaling the value of Jing Zhao (Zhu Yunming)." The Ming Shi stated: "His running script and regular script inherit the Jin dynasty's style, and he has studied all forms of calligraphy." He Liangjun's Four Friends' Studio Discourses remarked: "After Wang Shanshan (Wen Zhengming), the pinnacle of calligraphy should be Wang Yayi. His calligraphy is rooted in Wang Xianzhi, and with his noble character, it transcends others with an extraordinary spirit." Xing Dong once praised him: "Lujie's calligraphy originates from Wang Xianzhi, with a spacious and charming style, standing tall and independent. Even Zhu Yunming's eccentricity and Wen Zhengming's harmony struggle to match his level." His unique style was also influenced by Cai Yu, but he was quieter and more reminiscent of the Jin dynasty, making his style even more ancient and refined. The Poems of the Western Garden in this scroll draws inspiration from Wang Xianzhi and Yu Shilin, but skillfully incorporates simplicity, achieving elegance without vulgarity, and fluidity without slickness. The brushwork is clear, elegant, and subtle, warm yet reserved, neither forceful nor harsh. The expression of technique is extremely delicate and refined, with subtle variations. The composition is clever and flowing, balancing rules and temperament. In some places, it even reveals echoes of ancient cursive script, further enhancing its ancient and reserved charm. The overall atmosphere is unrestrained yet powerful, sparse yet strong, with an inner tension that becomes more pronounced in its tranquility and restraint. As Qing Dynasty's Li Wei Jing once praised: "True calligraphy of the Jin dynasty is rare in the world. What is passed down are imitations. All styles are mixed, as if by one hand, making it impossible to distinguish the author. In recent times, the Wu dynasty's Wang Lugu alone could trace Wang Xianzhi, with a carefree and elegant style, surpassing his peers. Though he has never seen the Jin dynasty's calligraphy, he is recognized as an extraordinary master."