Nine-tenths Palace Liquor Spring Inscription Entrance: Tang Dynasty calligraphy by Ouyang Xun Tang Dynasty calligraphy by Ouyang Xun

Author: Jiang Yumin
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-07-01
Features:
Ouyang Xun (557–641), styled Xinyen, was a native of Linxiang, Tanzhou. He held the position of Taizisi Ligeng Ling (Director of the Palace Attendant Bureau) and served in the imperial court. Orphaned in childhood, he was raised by Chen Dynasty's Grand Secretary Jiang Zong. From a young age, he displayed exceptional intelligence and ( means "read extensively about the past and present").
Once, while traveling, he encountered a stele inscribed by the Jin Dynasty calligrapher Su Jing. He studied it for a long time before leaving, but after only taking a few steps, he turned back. This happened several times until he grew tired and sat down. Still not satisfied, he stayed beneath the stele for three days before finally departing. His dedication to learning was truly remarkable.
According to historical records, Ouyang Xun initially imitated Wang Xizhi's calligraphy but later developed a more daring and vigorous style. Most scholars believe that Ouyang Xun's calligraphy represents a revival of the spirit of Wang Xizhi's artistry, refined through the transitional period from the Sui to the early Tang Dynasty. From a certain perspective, Ouyang Xun can also be seen as having surpassed the boundaries set by Wang Xizhi.
This book selects characters from the restored edition of "Liquan Ming" by Li Yuzhou.