Zong Ke's "Ji Jiu Zhang"

Author: Song Kezheng
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2003-01-01
Features: Cangcao (Zhangcao) emerged during the Han Dynasty as a standardized and organized form of cangliu (a simplified and rapid script derived from clerical script). Each character is independent, with strokes not connected. It incorporates the fluid transitions of cursive script while emphasizing the calligraphic features of clerical script, showcasing unique structural and compositional characteristics. Cangcao received little attention during the Tang Dynasty. Although Cai Xiang of the Song Dynasty and Zhao Meng and Deng Wenyuan of the Yuan Dynasty revived this art form, its influence was limited. Song Ke, however, devoted himself to Huang Xiang and Su Jing, establishing a distinctive style by blending the flexible and dynamic essence of modern cursive script. This resulted in an artistic style different from the ancient tradition's robust and rustic simplicity.
This volume of "Jiju Zhang" is his masterpiece created at the age of 60 while emulating Huang Xiang, described as "pure and elegant in structure." Yet, it diverges from Huang Xiang's "Jiju Zhang" in appearance, with expansive forms, elongated characters, slender yet upright strokes, and pronounced variations in thickness. The rhythm is lively and unrestrained, the atmosphere fresh and classical, making it more vivid, brilliant, and emotionally engaging compared to "Jiju Zhang" by calligraphers like Zhao Meng and Deng Wenyuan.
Cangcao emerged during the Han Dynasty as a standardized and organized form of cangliu (a simplified and rapid script derived from clerical script). Each character is independent, with strokes not connected. It incorporates the fluid transitions of cursive script while emphasizing the calligraphic features of clerical script, showcasing unique structural and compositional characteristics. Cangcao received little attention during the Tang Dynasty. Although Cai Xiang of the Song Dynasty and Zhao Meng and Deng Wenyuan of the Yuan Dynasty revived this art form, its influence was limited. Song Ke, however, devoted himself to Huang Xiang and Su Jing, establishing a distinctive style by blending the flexible and dynamic essence of modern cursive script. This resulted in an artistic style different from the ancient tradition's robust and rustic simplicity.
This volume of "Jiju Zhang" is his masterpiece created at the age of 60 while emulating Huang Xiang, described as "pure and elegant in structure." Yet, it diverges from Huang Xiang's "Jiju Zhang" in appearance, with expansive forms, elongated characters, slender yet upright strokes, and pronounced variations in thickness. The rhythm is lively and unrestrained, the atmosphere fresh and classical, making it more vivid, brilliant, and emotionally engaging compared to "Jiju Zhang" by calligraphers like Zhao Meng and Deng Wenyuan.