Xian Yu Shu Shi Gu Ge San Zhong

Author: Compiled by the Editorial Department of "Writing"
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2005-04-01
Features: "Xizhi's vernacular calligraphy is charming in form, and several sheets can still fetch a white goose. After the wars of the eight dynasties following Zhou, no one picked up the principles." Han Yu's "Ode to the Stone Drums" not only praises the unique artistic value of the Stone Drum script with its ancient and extraordinary strokes but also expresses lament over its long neglect and. The metaphorically apt and subtly implied "Ode to the Stone Drums" was written multiple times by the Yuan Dynasty calligrapher Xian Yu Shu, reflecting his deep appreciation for the Stone Drum script and Han Yu's poetry. Xian Yu Shu and Zhao Mengfu were representative calligraphers of the Yuan Dynasty who revered the ancient methods of the Wei and Jin periods, jointly advocating for the revival of calligraphic studies, which had a significant influence on later generations. "The world learns the face of the Orchid Pavilion, but no elixir can replace vulgar bones" — predecessors had long discussed the difficulty of learning the Wei and Jin traditions. Let us first examine some remarks by predecessors on Xian Yu Shu and Zhao Mengfu's study of ancient methods. First, let's look at the comments on Zhao Mengfu. Shen Yinmo once said: "Learning from Zhao (Mengfu) to imitate Wang (Xizhi) is an impractical path, because Zhao has acquired habits; once his brush touches them, he can never shake them off for life." Chen Zizhuang said: "Wang (Xizhi) and Wang (Anshi) both have roots in ancient clerical script, combining elegance with rustic thickness. Zhao (Mengfu) specializes in the elegance of Wang's script and pushes it to an extreme, making it appear vulgar." Xian Yu Shu, however, was different. Zhao Mengfu said: "Each stroke of Boji's calligraphy adheres to ancient principles, making it a treasure of inestimable value." "I studied cursive script with Boji, who far surpassed me. I strove to catch up but could never match him. Boji is gone, yet the world now calls me a skilled calligrapher—what is called 'praising a Buddha in a place where there is no Buddha.'" Wang Yi of the Yuan Dynasty said: "Xian Yu Shu of Yuyang's cursive script style is rooted in Wang Xizhi and Wang Anshi's methods. When he expands it into larger works, he transforms according to his own principles." Wu Kuan of the Ming Dynasty said: "Xian Yu Shu devoted much effort to cursive script, which originates from regular and semi-cursive styles. Therefore, his brushwork is deliberate, and every stroke carries intention, making it pleasing to the eye."