Wen Zhengming's Running Script of "Touring Tiger Hill Poem": Essence of Chinese Calligraphy

Author: Lin Tao
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2003-11-01
Features: This book collects Wen Zhengming's poems about visiting Tiger Hill, showcasing the essence of his calligraphy. The book measures 41.8 cm in height and 574.3 cm in length, making it a rare tall and large scroll. The characters are as large as fists, with brushstrokes and structural forms deliberately imitating Huang Tingjian. Although the lines have Huang Tingjian's sense of grandeur, they fail to break free; occasionally, one can also see Mi Fu's playful elegance. The structure appears spacious and dynamic, yet lacks the power of opening, closing, and expanding, resulting in a calm and composed style but missing the lively and expressive quality. There is more adherence to rules than spirit. Yet, this is precisely Wen Zhengming's characteristic—turning a hundred-forged steel into a soft thread, as the bearded guest plays with a long sleeve dance. It is neither strange nor unrestrained, strictly following the rules; it is both refined and elegant, wonderfully capturing the greening and moistening beauty, embodying a quiet and classical aesthetic.