Han Dynasty "Yijing Stele" Running Script Large Character Spectrum

Author: Lu Youzhu
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2004-05-01
Features: This book has the following characteristics in its editing: First, it is highly practical and meets the needs of beginners in calligraphy, with easy-to-use features. The authors of this calligraphy character manual are all teachers who have long been engaged in calligraphy teaching. They are not only diligent calligraphers with successful creations but, more importantly, they have rich experience in teaching calligraphy. They start from the practical aspects of calligraphy teaching, draw on various strengths, and provide targeted analysis and explanations that fit the actual learning process of students. This ensures precision and addresses problems effectively. Their analysis is concise, straightforward, and easy to understand. They tell you where the difficulties in learning calligraphy lie and where details are often overlooked, as well as how to overcome challenges and improve shortcomings. This focused approach will inspire and benefit beginners in calligraphy.
Second, the book is arranged in a progressive and systematic manner, making it easy to learn and teach. For example, in the character manual of the Qinli Stele, the stroke techniques are introduced first with horizontal strokes, followed by vertical strokes. A horizontal and a vertical stroke together form the character "" (shí). Next, diagonal strokes are taught, and adding a long diagonal stroke creates characters like "" (zài) or "" (zuǒ). The character "" (piàn) is formed by combining the basic horizontal and vertical strokes with a diagonal stroke. This step-by-step approach is logical and interconnected. In practical learning, it starts from the simple and progresses to the complex, making it particularly suitable for beginners in calligraphy—even young children in kindergarten would enjoy this method. The same principle is applied to the arrangement of other character manuals.
Third, the editing of this book combines vertical and horizontal elements organically, making the content more comprehensive. Most standard character manuals follow a single-line structure, focusing only on vertical arrangements—starting with stroke techniques, then moving to component structures, and finally discussing layout. However, in calligraphy teaching practice, we have found that many excellent calligraphy teachers combine stroke techniques and structure. For instance, when teaching a basic stroke, they demonstrate its position in a character, its length, thickness, straightness, or curvature, thereby integrating vertical and horizontal elements. This helps beginners grasp the structure even when first encountering strokes. Since Chinese characters are an organic whole, stroke techniques and structure are closely related. In teaching, we often separate them for convenience, but in reality, they are inseparable. This is especially true in cursive and semi-cursive scripts. Zhao Mengfu once said, "The use of the brush is timeless, while the structure varies with the times." However, this is not entirely accurate. The use of the brush is not timeless, and the structure is not only time-dependent but also varies with changes in stroke techniques. This has led to the diverse styles and forms of calligraphy works over the centuries, each competing in beauty. On the surface, it may appear to be about structure, but the foundation lies in the brushwork. The brushwork of Yan Zhenqing differs greatly from that of Emperor Zhenzong of Song, and likewise, it differs from that of Wang Duo, Zhang Ruili, and others. Therefore, combining stroke techniques and structure in analysis aligns more closely with the essence of calligraphy art and the realities of calligraphy teaching. This can be seen as a new attempt and breakthrough in calligraphy education.
Another feature of this Grand Calligraphy Character Manual series is that it analyzes and explains the typical characters from a single work by an ancient calligrapher. Each volume provides a detailed breakdown of strokes, as well as an overall grasp of components, structure, and layout. The original calligraphy is enlarged and printed in relief for easy observation and appreciation. Each volume focuses on one work by a calligrapher, and when combined, the entire series presents a magnificent collection. It covers five major styles: Seal, Clerical, Regular, Running, and Cursive, forming a perfect combination. Readers can purchase the entire set to grasp the big picture, avoiding repetition and waste from buying individual volumes separately. Alternatively, they can buy single volumes as needed, using them independently, which is convenient for readers of all levels.
At the same time, we hope to gain the understanding and support of teachers, parents, and all calligraphy enthusiasts.