Liu Style Tang Poetry Calligraphy Manuscript

Author: Xu Guoliang
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-03-01
Features: Liu Gongquan, a native of Jingzhao Huayuan (now Yaoyuan, Shaanxi), was born in the 13th year of the Dali era of Emperor Daizong of the Tang Dynasty (778 AD) and passed away in the 6th year of the Xiantong era of Emperor Yizong of the Tang Dynasty (865 AD, aged 88). He held the position of Taizisi (Vice Grand Tutor of the Heir Apparent) and was thus known as "Liu Shaoshi" in later generations. He initially studied the calligraphy of Wang Xizhi and later refined the styles of Ouyang Xun and Yan Zhenqing, eventually developing his own unique style. His regular script calligraphy is characterized by a strong yet graceful structure, with robust bone force. Compared to Yan's style, Liu's script is slightly leaner, earning him the reputation of "Yan's sinews and Liu's bones." Emperor Mu once asked Liu Gongquan about his calligraphy techniques, and Gongquan replied, "The brushwork originates from the heart; when the heart is upright, the brushwork will be upright." Emperor Mu was moved by this and regarded it as a lesson in calligraphy. In the "Mochi Bian" by Zhu Changwen of the Song Dynasty, it is said, "Liu Gongquan's regular script and running script are all masterpieces. He was not skilled in cursive script. His style derives from Yan, but adds strength and richness, establishing his own reputation." He initially studied Wang Xizhi's calligraphy techniques and later extensively reviewed the calligraphy of modern masters, striving to transform Wang's style. He learned from Yan Zhenqing and integrated his own innovations, avoiding the thick horizontal and thin vertical strokes of other styles. Instead, he adopted a balanced, lean, and hard-hitting approach, chasing the sharp and decisive momentum of Wei Stele calligraphy. His strokes are brisk, elegant, and strong, with tight and rigorous structures. Many later calligraphers used Liu's script as a model. At the age of 29, he passed the imperial examination and served as a low-ranking official in local government. Later, he was discovered by Emperor Mu of the Tang Dynasty and was immediately recognized as a master of calligraphy. He was summoned to Chang'an by the court when he was already in his forties. His character was both upright and uncompromising, and his calligraphy reflected these qualities. As a result, his reputation and status in Chang'an rose, and even the nobility were willing to spend generously to commission his works. The calligraphy of late Tang Dynasty, after the peak of the mid-Tang period, declined into stagnation. Although Liu Gongquan was hailed as a revivalist of the era, his calligraphy was still slightly inferior to that of Yan Zhenqing. Tang Dynasty calligraphy had reached its zenith but was now showing signs of decline. Liu Gongquan's regular script incorporates the techniques of Ouyang Xun, often densely interweaving some strokes to create spaciousness in broader areas. His strokes are fine yet sharp, with distinct edges. Although his brushwork was inspired by Yan Zhenqing, it differed from Yan's robust and expansive style, instead exuding a heroic and commanding aura. Liu Gongquan lived to the age of 80 and served seven emperors, eventually passing away as Taizisi in office. This calligraphy collection strives to preserve the original style of Liu Gongquan, using various formats to create 40 pieces of regular script calligraphy based on Tang Dynasty poems, providing reference and guidance for beginners.