Yan Zhenqing's Eulogy for His Nephew

Author: Zhang Chuwu
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-12-01
Features: "Draft of Eulogy for My Nephew" (also known as "Draft of Eulogy for My Nephew"), written by Yan Zhenqing in the first year of Qianyuan during the reign of Emperor Shaozong of Tang (758), is a draft eulogy composed in memory of his nephew Yan Jiming, who was killed by the rebel forces of An Lushan. When writing this eulogy, Yan Zhenqing was deeply moved and wrote it in one sitting. The first part of the draft, with about a dozen lines, is written with both strength and tenderness. As he wrote about his reminiscence of the past when he and his son Jiming fought against the rebel forces alongside Yang Qianqing, his emotions grew increasingly intense, causing the brushstrokes to fluctuate in rhythm—shifting from stillness to motion, from calm to fervor. At times, it seemed as if he could not stop sobbing; at other times, it was like a passionate and sorrowful song. Although it is a draft with many corrections, its momentum resembles the waves of the sea, creating a powerful artistic impact. The Yuan Dynasty calligrapher Xian Yu Hou praised it as the "second best running script in the world, next only to the 'Preface to the Orchid Pavilion Collection'."
"Draft of Eulogy for My Elder Brother" was also created in the first year of Qianyuan. This draft was written about a month after "Draft of Eulogy for My Nephew." Both are eulogies—one for a nephew, the other for an elder brother—so they are considered as a pair of works. Comparatively speaking, both were composed with deep sorrow and tears. "Draft of Eulogy for My Nephew" expresses even more intense emotions, hence the writing is faster; "Draft of Eulogy for My Elder Brother," being written later, shows restrained grief, and the brushstrokes are slightly slower.
"Draft of Disputing the Seating Arrangement" (also known as "Letter to Guo Shaoxi"), written by Yan Zhenqing in the second year of Guangde during the reign of Emperor Dezong of Tang, is a draft letter to Guo Yingyi, the Right Minister of the Ministry of Personnel and Prince of Dingxiang. It criticizes Guo Yingyi for deliberately elevating the seat of Yu Chao'en during a court session. The draft is full of vitality and powerful momentum, as if Yan Zhenqing had no idea that this letter would cause any repercussions. It is a strong expression of his sense of justice, truly embodying the spirit of "Jing Qing suppressing his breath, Fan Kui holding a shield, the Vajra-eyed deity glaring, and the strongman."
Yan Zhenqing's running script carries a strong emotional significance, "expressing his feelings and emotions, capturing his sorrow and joy." When we observe these ink traces, we discover movement in the static dots and strokes, and thereby uncover Yan Zhenqing's emotions and the scene of his writing.