Explanation of the calligraphy technique in Yan Zhenqing's Self-Penned Official Document Scroll

Author: Zhang Guangmu
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-02-01
Features: Compared to other steles and scrolls by Yan Zhenqing, the "Self-Composed Announcement Scroll" (Zishu Gaoshen Tie) more distinctly reveals a unique and independent spirit. First, the "Self-Composed Announcement Scroll" is an ink rubbing, which is the true face of Yan Zhenqing's calligraphic art. In today's popular terms, this is called being at [zero distance] from Yan Zhenqing's calligraphic art. Other steles, no matter how skillfully crafted by the artisans, are secondary creations of Yan Zhenqing's calligraphic art. As a result, the authentic appearance of Yan Zhenqing's calligraphy is inevitably compromised, especially in the subtle details of the starting and ending strokes, as well as the turns. The great calligrapher Mi Fu of the Song Dynasty once said: "[To study calligraphy, one must obtain genuine works of the ancients and observe how they begin their strokes]." Why is it emphasized to obtain [genuine works] and observe [the starting strokes]? The term [genuine works] refers to the original appearance. Only by understanding the original appearance can one clarify specific issues regarding brushwork and other details.