Chu Style Dictionary of Differentiating Calligraphies: A Series of Ancient Calligrapher's Script Dictionaries

Author: Shen Daorong
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-05-01
Features: As one of the Four Great Calligraphers of the Early Tang Dynasty, Chu Suiliang's calligraphy style is represented by works created during the Zhenguan and Yongzhen years, such as the Yiquan Buddhist Niche, Meng, Fang Xuanling Stele, and Yanta Holy Teaching Order. Among these, the Yanta Holy Teaching Order is particularly renowned and has been highly regarded by calligraphers throughout the ages. The Qing Dynasty scholar Wang Xuzhou commented: [Chu Gong's calligraphy appears sparse and thin, yet it is actually rich and lustrous; it seems ancient and plain, yet it is actually elegant and refined.] In his later years, Suiliang's regular script often incorporated the style of the Two Wangs (Wang Xizhi and Wang Xianzhi), refining his brushwork further on the foundation of Ouyang Xun, Yu Shinan, and the middle-aged Yan Zhen. This style, characterized by richness, elegance, and a balance of strength and grace, exemplifies the early Tang Dynasty's departure from the influence of the Sui Dynasty's calligraphy and the establishment of its own distinct style. It also marks the era when the regular script of the Tang Dynasty reached maturity. Therefore, Chu Suiliang's calligraphy has been revered by later generations as the Chu Style and the Great Teacher of Universal Enlightenment.