Introduction to the "Stupa Holy Teaching Order": Regular script by Chu Suiliang of the Tang Dynasty: Regular script by Chu Suiliang of the Tang Dynasty

Author: Qin Haijie
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-07-01
Features:
(1) Strokes and Penwork: The basic strokes and pen techniques in Chu's Stele of the Holy Teaching exhibit considerable variety in their execution. The same stroke can appear in multiple forms. For example: the starting points of horizontal strokes can be square or round, with sharp turns, wrapped edges, or overlapping peaks. The angle of the initial touch has no fixed direction. In the middle sections of long horizontal strokes, the speed of movement is often slightly faster and the strokes finer. The pen can be square or round, and the strokes possess a distinct curvature. Other basic pen techniques generally follow a similar pattern, giving the impression of unpredictability.
(2) Character Structure: The most striking aspect of the Stele of the Holy Teaching lies in the dynamic quality of its characters and the beauty of their tilted yet balanced structures. Compared to the Nine Gates Stele by Ou Yangzhen, it becomes evident that the posture of its characters has transcended the rigid structural conventions of early Tang Dynasty regular script. In terms of stroke thickness, slant, curves, and the balance between straight and slanted lines, there are no fixed rules to follow. Instead, the composition is guided by intuition and a natural sense of poise, as if the calligrapher had the full picture in mind. Such a mature calligrapher's elegant and gentle yet forceful brushwork is believed to be the culmination of Chu Suiliang's lifelong dedication.