Wang Xinglin, "Shigudu Wen"

Author: Wang Di
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-07-01
Features: The accelerated pace of modern life and the diverse choices in learning methods have made "famous calligraphers' masterpieces" play an increasingly prominent role in the study of calligraphy today. This book is printed with exquisite craftsmanship, effectively reproducing the stylistic characteristics of the calligraphers, making it an excellent model for calligraphy enthusiasts to practice. "Shigudu" (Stone Drums) is the script of the State of Qin during the Eastern Zhou period in China. It is named as such because it was inscribed in large seal script (Zhouwen) on ten drum-shaped granite drums. It is also known as "Hujie" (Hunting Inscriptions) because each drum bears a four-line rhyming text describing the hunting activities of the Qin rulers, with ten drums in total, each containing one text. These stone drums were discovered in the wilderness of Fengxiang, Shaanxi, in the early Tang Dynasty. Later, due to the changes of dynasties, the original stones were moved multiple times and suffered repeated damage. It was not until after the founding of the People's Republic of China that they were transported to Beijing and stored in the Palace Museum to this day. According to historical records, the stone drums originally contained over 700 characters, but by the time of modern rubbings, only over 250 characters remained. The calligraphy on the stone drums is vigorous, thick, and dignified, having been highly praised by scholars and literati throughout history. The Tang Dynasty literary figure and philosopher Han Yu described it as "[The phoenix soars, the swan takes flight, as if the immortals descend, coral and jade trees interlace branches]." In his "Yiwen Zhou Shuangjie," the modern calligrapher Kang Youwei described the Shigudu script as "[Like gold coins scattered on the ground, orchids gather in clouds, no need for arrangement, it naturally possesses extraordinary charm]." Many famous calligraphers, such as Deng Shifu, Yang Yishun, Wu Changshuo, and Wang Di, drew inspiration from it, achieving significant accomplishments in their art.