Yu Xianyu, Running Script, Twelve Poems by Tang Dynasty Poets

Author: Shanghai Shuhua Publishing House
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2004-01-01
Features: The Yuan Dynasty inherited the legacy of the Song Dynasty, still primarily focusing on running and cursive scripts. In terms of calligraphic style, although the Yuan Dynasty lacked the pioneering spirit of the Northern Song in breaking new ground, it innovated through reviving the classics, particularly the Tang Dynasty and the elegant, unrestrained atmosphere of the Jin Dynasty, thereby forming the distinctive characteristics of the era. The calligraphic scene of the Yuan Dynasty was largely dominated by Zhao Mengfu, but in reality, there were many talented calligraphers during the Yuan Dynasty. Prominent figures included Yu Ji, Ke Jiensi, Li Tuo, Deng Wenyuan, Yang Weizheng, Ni Yunlin, Kang Li, and Zhang Yu. Among them, the one who could truly rival Zhao Mengfu was undoubtedly Xian Yu Shu.
Xian Yu Shu (1256–1301)
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Wang Anshi Miscellaneous Poems Scroll
Height: 50 cm, Length: 1025 cm, Collection of Liaoning Museum
Xian Yu Shu, styled Boji, was also known as Kunxue Shanmin, Jizhi Laoren, and was from Yuyang (now Jixian County, Beijing). He served as the Grand Historian and was highly regarded by Zhao Mengfu for his calligraphy. Zhao once said, "I studied cursive script with Boji, but he far surpassed me. I tried my best to catch up, but could not. Boji has passed away, yet the world praises me as a skilled calligrapher, saying 'there can be no two Buddhas in the world.' Boji and I were jointly known as the 'Two Wonders' of calligraphy."
Xian Yu Shu, styled Boji, was also known as Kunxue Shanmin, Jizhi Laoren, and was from Yuyang (now Jixian County, Beijing). He served as the Grand Historian and was highly regarded by Zhao Mengfu for his calligraphy. Zhao once said, "I studied cursive script with Boji, but he far surpassed me. I tried my best to catch up, but could not. Boji has passed away, yet the world praises me as a skilled calligrapher, saying 'there can be no two Buddhas in the world.' Boji and I were jointly known as the 'Two Wonders' of calligraphy."
His calligraphic achievements primarily lay in running and cursive scripts. He studied cursive script under Huaisu while also innovating on his own. His grip on the brush was distinctive, employing a unique wrist-turning technique; he preferred using wolf-hair brushes and emphasized strength in his writing. Indeed, his running and cursive scripts were robust and full of vigor, with a natural and unrestrained brushwork. His foundation was solid, and his calligraphy, written with the brush held high, was powerful and vigorous. Yuan Dynasty scholar Yuan Biao once said, "Kunxue Laoren excelled at the wrist-turning technique, making his calligraphy round and strong. Some criticized him for overly using Tang Dynasty methods, but after knowing Boji for fifteen or sixteen years, I saw his calligraphy improve daily, surpassing ordinary works." (From Calligraphic Reflections)
The calligrapher Chen Xuezeng also remarked, "Among the modern generation, only Xian Yu Shu is skilled in calligraphy with the brush held high. When I asked him, he widened his eyes and stretched his arms, saying, 'Courage! Courage! Courage!' This shows his bold spirit of innovation."
His regular script works include The Return of Li Yuan to Pan Valley, now preserved in the Shanghai Museum. The calligraphy is (ancient and simple) in style, with meticulous structure and a grandeur of spirit. His running and cursive scripts include self-composed poems such as Large Script Poem in Praise and Cursive Script of Tang Poems, characterized by unrestrained brushwork and dynamic, (leaning postures).