Zhou Huijun Running Script Thousand Characters

Author: Zhou Huijun
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2003-12-01
Features: The development of Chinese characters into cursive script was indeed a gradual simplification driven by practical needs. The maturation process of cursive script involved the gradual reduction of elements from seal script and clerical script, resulting from the combined influence of various factors during a specific historical stage. However, Chinese characters, beyond their practical utility, also possess an artistic value for appreciation. Especially cursive script has long been highly valued. It is said that several emperors during the Eastern Han Dynasty were fond of cursive script and respected renowned cursive script calligraphers, ordering them to create cursive script letters for official correspondence or personal enjoyment. Later, cursive script became popular, with many people appreciating it and others engaging in its creation, leading to a succession of masters. Zhang Zhi, in particular, was so influential among learners of calligraphy that he was revered as the "Sage of Cursive Script." Wang Xizhi's cursive script was deeply influenced by Zhang Zhi. It represents a transitional style between classical cursive script and modern cursive script. In his cursive script works, he introduced the linking of characters, breaking free from the constraints of classical cursive script and paving the way for modern cursive script. Subsequently, the Tang Dynasty calligraphers Zhang Xu and Li Zhi (also known as "Drunken Zen Master Li") revitalized the art of cursive script, leaving a profound impact on later generations. This was because they achieved a profound level of mastery, their brushwork appearing as if smoke and clouds were dancing on the paper.