Ouyang Xun Jiucheng Gong Bei

Author: Zhang Chuwu
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-12-01
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Ouyang Xun (557–641) was a calligrapher in the early Tang Dynasty. His courtesy name was Xinyen, and he was from Linxiang, Tanzhou (present-day Changsha, Hunan). He held the position of Taizisi Ligeng and was also known as Ouyang Ligeng. He was renowned as one of the "Four Great Calligraphers of Early Tang" alongside Yu Shiren, Chu Suiliang, and Xue Ji. He compiled the "Yiwen Lüju" (A Collection of Art and Literature), a 100-volume work. His calligraphy was influenced by the works of the Wangs (Wang Xizhi and Wang Xianzhi) while also incorporating the boldness of Northern Stele calligraphy, forming a dynamic,, and ancient style known as the "Ouyang Style." Ouyang Xun's calligraphy had already gained fame in the Sui Dynasty and was celebrated overseas. During the Tang Dynasty, his talent and skill reached perfection. However, Ouyang Xun himself was never satisfied with his achievements and continued to study steles and practice calligraphy, striving for excellence.
The "Liquan Stele of the Jiucheng Palace" was erected in the sixth year of Emperor Gaozong's Zhenguan period (AD 632). The inscription was composed by Wei Zheng and records the story of Emperor Taizong discovering a gushing spring while vacationing at the Jiucheng Palace. Ouyang Xun was commissioned to write the stele, which is exceptionally well-executed and vigorous, making it a masterpiece of Tang Dynasty regular script. Ouyang Xun's contribution to Tang Dynasty calligraphy was twofold: his bold and dynamic style contrasted sharply with the warm and mellow aesthetics of the Wangs and the Wei-Jin period,ing a new era in calligraphy. Additionally, his achievements in expanding the study of calligraphic structure into spatial research were undeniable. Among calligraphers throughout history, few combined theory and practice as closely as Ouyang Xun.