A type of surviving manuscript of Wei Xiejing

Author: Tianjin Liuyangqing Art Publishing House
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-12-15
Features: Calligraphy for writing scriptures, dating from the Eastern Jin Dynasty, Northern and Southern Dynasties, through the Sui, Tang, and Five Dynasties periods, spanning over 500 years of history. During each historical period, the calligraphic styles, though unified in style, exhibited distinct characteristics. Generally speaking, scripture calligraphy is skilled, neat, rigorous, and delicate, with a strong religious flavor and unique artistic style. However, due to differences in cultural cultivation and writing proficiency, the quality of scripture calligraphy varied. The surviving fragment of a scripture scroll now housed in the Tianjin Art Museum is over several zhang long, truly a magnificent piece. Yet, the calligrapher maintained meticulous attention to detail from beginning to end, which is rare. We have selected some chapters from it for study and reference. Learning calligraphy is better than studying inscriptions or albums—seeing actual works is more valuable. This is why the surviving scripture scroll is particularly precious. The calligraphy in this scroll is bold and powerful, square and decisive, with stable structures, tightly condensed central forms, and an solemn, dignified spirit. It truly embodies the description by Bao Shichen in Yi Zhou Shuang Ji, where he describes the calligraphy of the Northern Dynasties as "bold in stroke and robust in structure, with a slow, deliberate flow and expansive momentum." Through this, we can glimpse the genuine essence of ancient calligraphers' work.