Early Qing Dynasty book theory

Author: Pan Yungao Gui Zi
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2003-12-01
Features: This book selects writings on calligraphy theory from various scholars of the early Qing Dynasty, covering thirteen authors from Sun Chengze, Song Cao, and Fu Shan in the early Qing period to Ruan Yuan, Zhu Lüzheng, and Wu Desxuan during the Jiaqing and Daoguang eras. It is said that the various calligraphy theory (claims) and school views of this period are all represented. One prominent feature is the emphasis on expressing temperament and (expressing the heart and mind). Sun Chengze is a prime example. He was a person of the late Ming and early Qing dynasties, known as a refined and elegant scholar. Although he served the Qing Dynasty, his heart yearned for a tranquil and leisurely life. Therefore, in his discussions on calligraphy, he admired the elegant and spirited style of the Jin Dynasty, which perfectly matched his own temperament and interests. Song Cao is another example. He was also a transitional figure between the Ming and Qing dynasties. After entering the Qing Dynasty, he did not seek official position and was known for his ancient virtues that shone upon others, becoming a model for the entire nation. His calligraphy practice was a reflection of his inner aspirations. In his Brief Talks on Calligraphy, he proposed that writing requires arrangement and spirit. Arrangement stems from the movement of the heart, while spirit arises from the movement of the brush. When arrangement is proper, the brushwork becomes nimble, and with a thousand variations in brushwork, it is most suitable for expressing the author's temperament and the spirit and elegance of calligraphy. Another prominent feature is the preference for stone inscriptions over rubbing copies. This tendency had already emerged in the early Qing period. Sun Chengze admired the elegant and unrestrained rubbing copies of the Jin Dynasty while also valuing the vigorous and ancient stone inscriptions of the Han Dynasty. Fu Shan, on the other hand, specialized in Han stone inscriptions and became renowned for his expertise in this field. The origins of Northern stone inscriptions also lie in Han stone inscriptions. As a result, by the Qianlong and Jiaqing eras, Ruan Yuan and Bao Shichen finally developed a clear and systematic concept and theoretical framework of the northern and southern schools.