Chinese Running Script Great Dictionary

Author: Fan Ren'an / Li Zhixian (editors)
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2000-05-01
Features: Regarding the meaning of running script, Zhang Huaiquan as early as in Shu Duan pointed out that running script "is a smaller version of regular script (), emphasizing simplicity and flowing interlacing, hence the name running script." Because of its characteristics of "smaller version ()," "simplicity," and "flowing interlacing," its form is highly unbalanced in terms of modeling. In running script, if the regular script elements are predominant, it is called "running regular script"; if the cursive script elements are predominant, it is called "running cursive script." How can such a calligraphy style with a broad mass foundation always be considered a subordinate of regular script and cursive script? It is truly unjust! Let us start from objective reality. Comparing the regular script in Wang Xizhi's Orchid Pavilion Preface with that in the Lai Yi Lun, and comparing the cursive script in Yan Zhenqing's Sacrificial Draft with that of Xu and Cai from the same era, their brushwork and structure are vastly different. Therefore, running script is indeed running script. Since it surpassed the confines of Jin Dynasty bamboo slips and was adopted by, Li Yong, and Zhang Congshen into stele carving, it has established its independent status. By the Song and Yuan dynasties, masters such as Cai, Su, Huang, Mi, Zhao Mengfu, and Xian Yushu emerged one after another, displaying a dazzling array of styles and truly dominating the calligraphy world, becoming the mainstream.