Introduction to the Wang Xizhi School of Running Script in Official Documents

Author: Gan Zhongliu
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2004-01-01
Features: Although cursive script has a relatively early origin in history, it was Wang Xizhi who truly established complete rules for it, making his works the of cursive script in history. The reason why Wang Xizhi's cursive script has been revered by generations of calligraphers is that his works exhibit a natural and unrestrained, pure and lofty temperament. Emperor Taizong of Tang said: "Observing the precision of his dots and strokes, the artistry of his composition, the mist-like and dew-like formations, and the way they appear broken yet connected—like dragons and phoenixes coiling and soaring, their momentum seems slanted yet turns straight." This evaluation hits the mark. Throughout the dynasties, many people have studied Wang Xizhi, but due to differing approaches in selection and the changes in the times and related conditions, the resulting styles have varied greatly. Only a few have truly embodied the characteristics of Wang Xizhi's cursive script in both form and spirit. The purpose of compiling this collection of calligraphic works is to provide a convenient reference for calligraphy enthusiasts, allowing them to compare works from the same historical tradition and see how they inherit and develop. This may be helpful for learning and creating cursive script. At the same time, we should also recognize that personal letters can reveal the spirit of calligraphy: from the perspective of the calligrapher's state of mind, there is no deliberate effort, but rather a calm and effortless, free and flowing style; from the perspective of formal elements, personal letters are not bound by strict rules. These ancient works actually transcend the scope of a single script, blending regular script, cursive script, and grass script, with cursive script being the dominant style. This form provides calligraphers with great freedom to showcase their talent.