Yan Zhenqing Running Script Calligraphy Manuscript

Author: Li Xiaofan
Publisher:
Publish Date: 1999-03-01
Features: This volume prints fourteen works by Tang Dynasty calligrapher Yan Zhenqing, including "Letter to Guo Shiyeshu," "Liu Taichong," "Cai Mingyuan," "Deer Tendon," "Deer Tendon Postscript," "Return from Court," "Jiazhong," "Holding the Robe," "Letter to Wife," "Begging for Rice," "Guarding Governance," "Caizhou," "Southbound," and "Huayan." Yan Zhenqing (709–785 AD) was a native of Jingzhao Wannian in the Tang Dynasty, styled Qingchen. He passed the imperial examination during the Kaiyuan era and was promoted to the position of Palace Attendant. He was disliked by Yang Guozhong and was dismissed as the Governor of Pingyuan, hence the posthumous title "Yan Pingyuan." During the An Lushan Rebellion, Yan distinguished himself in resisting the rebels and was later appointed as Minister of Personnel and Grand Tutor of the Heir Apparent, enfeoffed as the Duke of Lubei. During the reign of Emperor Dezong, when Li Xili rebelled, the prime minister Lu Qiji harbored resentment and sent Yan to persuade him, but Li Xili detained Yan. Despite his loyalty, Yan was strangled to death. Yan was a descendant of the Yan family of Langya Prefecture and was deeply versed in calligraphy, excelling in short messages. He learned calligraphic techniques from Chu Suiliang and Zhang Xu. His regular script is dignified and majestic, with an expansive and powerful style, while his running script is vigorous and harmonious, breaking from ancient methods and establishing his own unique style, known as the "Yan Style." Song Dynasty critic Ouyang Xiu once remarked: "[Yan's calligraphy is like that of a loyal minister, a heroic figure, or a moral gentleman. Its dignity and respect make one initially fearful upon first sight, yet the longer one observes it, the more one comes to cherish it. Though not many of his works are treasured in the world, even if there were many, they would never be enough to satisfy admiration]."