Zhi Yong Thousand Character Classic Techniques

Author: Cheng Tonggen
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2004-07-01
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Zhi Yong was a calligrapher from the Chen and Sui dynasties, originally from Kuaiji. The Small History of Calligraphy states that he was skilled in cursive and regular scripts. Feng Wu's The True Transmission of Calligraphy says: "Zhi Yong was the seventh-generation descendant of Wang Xizhi, perfectly inheriting the family's calligraphic tradition and becoming the master for calligraphers during the Sui and Tang dynasties. He lived in Yongxin Temple in Wuxing for over forty years without descending from the tower. Over the years, he copied the Thousand-Character Classic eight hundred times, with each temple in Jiangdong receiving one copy. The remnants of his brush hairs were placed in bamboo boxes. Each box could hold over one stone, yet all five boxes were filled. He buried the brush hairs and called it the 'Burial Mound of Discarded Brushes.' Those seeking his calligraphy were so numerous that his doorsteps were worn through, so he covered them with iron sheets, which people called 'Iron Doorsteps.'" Zhang Huaiquan's The Book of Calligraphy says: "Zhi Yong followed the distant footsteps of Wang Xizhi, dedicating himself to calligraphy over the years. He ascended the hall with his sleeves tucked, commanding both regular and cursive scripts. Like a skilled rider on a steady path, he calmed the waves of the great sea. He slightly favored the style of virtue and had half the flesh of Wang Xizhi. He was proficient in all scripts, excelling in cursive. His temperament was inferior to Ouyang Xun and Yu Shinan, but his mastery surpassed Yang Xiong and Bo Yi." Su Shi's Annotations and Inscriptions says: "Zhi Yong the Zen master wanted to preserve the typical style of the Wang family, following the family's tradition, so he used the old methods—not because he couldn’t innovate or seek change. Yet his style already transcended the confines of rules. Saying he is inferior to Ouyang Xun and Yu Shinan is not an accurate assessment. If one doubts those who imitate him, they are even below this judgment." He also praised his calligraphy: "His bones and temperament are deep and stable, embodying all wonders. At the peak of his skill, he created a style that was both sparse and profound. Like reading Tao Yuanming’s poetry, it initially seems scattered and unrestrained, but upon repeated reading, one recognizes its charm." Liang 's Commentary on Calligraphy says: "After the Jin dynasty, Zhi Yong’s style was round, strong, and elegant, with a subtle and profound charm. His style was as distant from Wang Xizhi as Yan Zhenqing was from Confucius. Zhi Yong, Yu Shinan, and Zhao Mengfu all valued roundness and subtlety, forming a distinct style." This book is based on the Song dynasty edition by Xue Cichang. Yang Shoujing’s Commentary on Calligraphy says: "In the 13th year of the Daguan era of the Song dynasty, Xue Cichang engraved it, commonly known as the 'Iron Doorsteps' edition. It is clear and strict, truly derived from the original calligraphy." For beginners learning cursive script, starting with this collection should be the right path.