Huang Tingjian's calligraphy

Author: (Song) Huang Tingjian
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-06-01
Features: Huang Tingjian (1045–1105), styled Luzhi, styled Shanshan Taoist, later styled Fuweng, was from Fengzhou Fennin (now Xiushui, Jiangxi). He was a poet and calligrapher of the Northern Song Dynasty. He passed the imperial examination in the fourth year of the Zhiping era of Emperor Yingzong (1067). In the third year of the Xining era of Emperor Shenzong (1070), Wang Anshi became prime minister and implemented the New Policies, which were fiercely opposed by the conservatives led by Sima Guang. Later, the conflict between the old and new factions intensified and continued until the fall of the Northern Song Dynasty. In this struggle, Huang Tingjian stood with the old faction. Although he did not actively participate in the struggle, he was always caught in the whirlwind of the conflict throughout his life. Huang Tingjian was a disciple of Su Shi and was known as one of the "Four Scholars of Su's School" along with Zhang Lei, Qin Guan, and Chao Buzhi. Later, he became as famous as Su Shi and was known as "Su and Huang." His most important achievement was poetry. His poetic theory advocated Du Fu but emphasized reading and research, creating novelty from tradition, and the idea that "every word has a source" and "transcending the mortal world, turning iron into gold." He had a significant influence in the Song Dynasty, founding the Jiangxi Poetry School. He was also skilled in ci poetry and excelled in running and cursive calligraphy. His calligraphy initially followed Zhou Yue but later drew inspiration from Yan Zhenqing and Huai Su, influenced by Yang Ningshi, and especially benefited from the "Healing Crane Inscription." His brushwork adopted a side-angled, daring style, with bold and unconventional movements, expansive characters, and lean, vigorous brushwork, forming a unique style and becoming one of the "Four Calligraphers of the Song Dynasty." The "Biography of Literary Figures" in the "Song History" describes him as follows: "Huang Tingjian's learning and literary talent were natural and innate. Chen Shidao said that his poetry followed Du Fu, he was good at running and cursive calligraphy, and his regular script also formed its own style. Together with Zhang Lei, Chao Buzhi, and Qin Guan, he studied under Su Shi and was known as the Four Scholars of the World." He himself said, "I have studied cursive calligraphy for over thirty years. Initially, I followed Zhou Yue, so for twenty years, I could not shake off the vulgar air. Later, I saw Su Caiweng's and Du Zi's calligraphy, and then I grasped the brushwork of the ancients. After that, I obtained the calligraphy of Zhang Changshi, the monk Huai Su, and Gao Xian, and then I glimpsed the subtlety of brushwork." His famous calligraphic works include "Poem of the Pine Wind Pavilion," "Postscript to the Cold Food Observance in Huangzhou," "Letter on the Fragrance of Flowers," and "Poem of Hongxian County."