Explanation of the Calligraphy Techniques in Wang Xizhi's "Holy Teaching Order"

Author: Huang Lihua
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-03-01
Features: Ethereal and divine, feel the rhythm of master's brushwork; every stroke has its origin, grasp the mysteries of ink splashing! The full name of Shengjiao Yi is Huairong Ji Wang Xizhi Shengjiao Xu, also known as Tang Ji Youjun Shengjiao Xu Bing Ji and others. Because seven Buddha statues are carved horizontally at the top of the stele, it is also called Qifo Shengjiao Xu. In the 19th year of the Zhenguan era (645 AD), after 17 years of studying in India, the monk Xuanzang brought Sanskrit Buddhist scriptures to Chang'an. Emperor Taizong was very pleased upon seeing them. Xuanzang was ordered to reside at the translation site in Hongfu Temple to translate the Book of Songs in March of the same year. In the 22nd year of the Zhenguan era (648 AD), Emperor Taizong personally wrote the preface, and the Crown Prince (Li Zhi, later Emperor Gaozong of Tang) wrote the inscription. This preface and inscription, along with Emperor Taizong's imperial decree, the Crown Prince's letter, and Xuanzang's translation of the Heart Sutra, were collected by the monk Huairong of Hongfu Temple from the calligraphy of Wang Xizhi preserved in the Tang imperial treasury and from existing Wang-style calligraphy in the. It took over 20 years to carve this stele in the 3rd year of the Xianheng era (672 AD), with the full title [Da Tang Sanzang Shengjiao Xu]. The stele is 9 feet 4.6 inches tall and 4 feet 2.4 inches wide, written in running script with 30 lines, each containing 83 to 88 characters. Unfortunately, it is now broken. It is currently preserved in the Xi'an Stele Forest.