Yan Zhenqing's Regular Script Great Character Spectrum of the "Qinli Stele"

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 calligraphy teaching. They can start from the practical aspects of calligraphy teaching, draw on the strengths of others, and provide targeted analysis and explanations that fit the actual learning process of students. This ensures precision and effectiveness, addressing problems directly and effectively. Their analysis is concise, straightforward, and easy to understand. They tell you where the difficulties in learning calligraphy lie and where details are easily 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 brushwork section first explains horizontal strokes, then 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 a basic combination of horizontal and vertical strokes with an added diagonal stroke. This step-by-step progression is logical and interconnected. In terms of learning, it starts from the simple to the complex, making it particularly suitable for beginners. Even kindergarteners would enjoy this gradual teaching method. We follow the same principle in arranging other character manuals.
Third, the editing of this book combines vertical and horizontal elements organically, making the content more comprehensive. Most character manuals follow a single-line structure, focusing only on vertical arrangements—starting with brushwork, then progressing to component structures, and finally discussing overall composition. However, in calligraphy teaching practice, we have found that many excellent calligraphy teachers combine brushwork and structure together. For instance, when teaching a basic stroke, they demonstrate its position in a character, its length, thickness, and curvature, etc., integrating vertical and horizontal elements organically. This helps beginners grasp the structure even when they first encounter brushwork. Since Chinese characters are an organic whole, brushwork and structure are closely related. In teaching, we often separate brushwork, components, and structure for convenience, but in reality, they are inseparable. This is especially true in cursive and semi-cursive scripts. Zhao Mengfu once said, "Brushwork is timeless, while structure varies with the times." However, this is not entirely accurate. Brushwork is not timeless, and structure is not merely time-dependent—it also changes with variations in brushwork. Over the centuries, countless calligraphy works have displayed diverse styles and appearances, all rooted in brushwork. The brushwork of Yan Zhenqing differs greatly from that of Emperor Zhenzong of Song, and both differ significantly from that of Wang Duo and Zhang Ruili.
Therefore, combining brushwork and structure for 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 brushwork from a single work by an ancient calligrapher. Each volume provides a detailed breakdown of strokes, as well as an overall understanding of components, structure, and composition. 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, Cursive, and Semi-Cursive, forming a perfect combination. Readers can purchase the entire set to grasp the big picture, avoiding repetition and waste from buying individual volumes. Alternatively, they can buy single volumes as needed, independently using them for convenience across different levels of learners.
We also hope to gain the understanding and support of teachers, parents, and all calligraphy enthusiasts.