Chinese calligraphy masterpieces of all dynasties (Volume 1, 2, 3)

Author: Tianjin People's Fine Arts Publishing House
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2002-09-01
Features: The Treasures of Chinese Calligraphy Through the Ages collects the masterpieces of the most representative calligraphers from various periods. From ancient to modern times, calligraphy from every era and style is included. From emperors and generals to scholars and officials, and from common people to ordinary citizens, the essence of Chinese calligraphy history is fully presented in this book. The Treasures of Chinese Calligraphy Through the Ages is independently compiled into one book according to the script of the calligrapher's works, including Seal Script, Regular Script, Running Script, and Cursive Script. The "Preface" of each book not only summarizes the entire process of Chinese calligraphy history but also provides a detailed introduction and evaluation of the origin, development, characteristics, and influence of each script, as well as the major calligraphers and works. Each piece is accompanied by expert commentaries that introduce and critique the style, school, and influence on later generations, allowing readers to accurately understand the essence and spirit of the works.
Regular Script, also known as True Script or Orthographic Script, literally means "model" or "formal." However, people always hope to see a flowing and dynamic spirit in the upright and rigorous Regular Script. They appreciate the overall beauty and static elegance of the script with high artistic standards and order, while also admiring the changing scenery, flying spirit, and unrestrained. A calligrapher who does not excel in small Regular Script cannot be considered a true master. Zhang Xu, with his, but his Regular Script is meticulous stroke by stroke. Learning calligraphy should first focus on gathering and then releasing, with Regular Script as the foundation. All great calligraphers in history have mastered Regular Script, and appreciating calligraphy should first understand the rules before further appreciating the spiritual charm and meaning in the works.
What is The Treasures of Chinese Calligraphy Through the Ages? Chinese calligraphy is the soul of aesthetics. In the history of Chinese calligraphy, there have been countless calligraphers, brilliant as stars, leaving behind a vast ocean of masterpieces in various scripts, with diverse styles coexisting. These treasures are either stored in museums and libraries, passed down among the people, or carved into famous rivers, ancient temples, and remote rural areas. Tianjin People's Fine Arts Publishing House organized dozens of experts and scholars over a decade to visit museums, libraries, and the countryside, covering domestic and international locations, to collect, organize, authenticate, select, photograph, and scientifically classify the calligraphy treasures passed down through the ages. Based on the different scripts of the selected works, they compiled The Treasures of Chinese Running Script Through the Ages, The Treasures of Chinese Regular Script Through the Ages, The Treasures of Chinese Cursive Script Through the Ages, and The Treasures of Chinese Seal Script Through the Ages, forming four exquisite calligraphy books. Thus, each script of Chinese calligraphy has become a standalone book. The four large-scale calligraphy books are combined into a breathtaking calligraphy series.
Main Content and Structure of The Treasures of Chinese Calligraphy Through the Ages: The Treasures of Chinese Calligraphy Through the Ages collects the masterpieces of the most representative calligraphers from various periods. From ancient to modern times, calligraphy from every era and style is included. From emperors and generals to scholars and officials, and from common people to ordinary citizens, the essence of Chinese calligraphy history is fully presented in this book. The Treasures of Chinese Calligraphy Through the Ages is independently compiled into one book according to the script of the calligrapher's works, including Seal Script, Regular Script, Running Script, and Cursive Script. The "Preface" of each book not only summarizes the entire process of Chinese calligraphy history but also provides a detailed introduction and evaluation of the origin, development, characteristics, and influence of each script, as well as the major calligraphers and works. Each piece is accompanied by expert commentaries that introduce and critique the style, school, and influence on later generations, allowing readers to accurately understand the essence and spirit of the works.
Features of The Treasures of Chinese Calligraphy Through the Ages:
1. Includes a large number of famous and rare works. It nearly collects all the famous masters, famous scripts, and famous works from ancient times to the present. Many of them are rare treasures that are difficult for people to see.
2. The works included cover a wide range of styles and time spans, with high artistic, appreciative, historical, cultural, and collection value.
3. The works are arranged in separate books for Seal Script, Regular Script, Running Script, and Cursive Script, each in chronological order according to the dynasty in which the works were created.
4. Expert commentaries are provided, making it suitable for the general public to appreciate.
5. The printing and binding are exquisite and luxurious. The entire book is printed in an octavo large format, allowing many large works to be fully displayed. It is the first time that imported special paper is used for printing specifically for this book, with hand-bound thread stitching, ensuring the quality of the album.
Chinese calligraphy art has a long history. The countless calligraphy treasures left by masters throughout the ages are like pearls adorning the historical scroll of the cultural development of the Chinese nation, shining brightly and illuminating future generations. It is generally believed that beginners should start with Regular Script. This is because: first, Regular Script is the current common script, easy to recognize and learn; second, Regular Script is also the foundation for learning Running Script and Cursive Script. Although all scripts, including Regular, Running, and Cursive, rely on brushwork and structure, Regular Script is the most comprehensive and fundamental. The term "Regular Script" is also called "True Script" and "Orthographic Script," which indeed carries the meaning of a legitimate model. Therefore, Su Dongpo said, "Calligraphy is complete in Orthographic Script." With a solid foundation in Regular Script, one can quickly progress to Running Script with a slight acceleration, and then seek the flowing and graceful beauty to become Cursive Script. For this reason, the compilers selected some representative works from the calligraphy treasures of masters and compiled them into this book for the use of calligraphers and enthusiasts as research and practice materials. The use of thread binding and imitation Xuan paper printing further enhances its antique charm, creating a harmonious unity with these precious calligraphy treasures. Thus, it also has collection value.