Chu Suiliang's Regular Script Great Character Spectrum of the Holy Teaching Order

Author: Lu Youzhu, Editor-in-Chief
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 1997-10-01
Features: The model characters in this book are from the "Shengjiao Xu" by Chu Suiliang, the full title being "Dadai Sizang Shengjiao Xu." The original stele is located at the Big Wild Goose Pagoda in the Zhen'en Temple in Xi'an, hence it is widely known as the "Yanta Shengjiao Xu." It represents the pinnacle of Chu Suiliang's regular script calligraphy. Many accomplished calligraphers throughout history have drawn abundant inspiration from it. The development of Chu Suiliang's regular script calligraphy can be divided into two stages: early and late. In the early stage, his calligraphy was still somewhat immature and had not yet developed a distinct personal style. For example, the "Yiqu Foqian Stele" is clearly influenced by the Sui Dynasty steles such as the "Longzangsi Stele," while the "Meng Fashi Stele" carries strong traces of Ouyang Xun and Yu Shinan. The late-stage works, such as the "Shengjiao Xu" and "Ni Kuan Zan," reflect Chu Suiliang's highest achievements in regular script calligraphy. Chu Suiliang initially studied under Yu Shinan and Ouyang Xun, and his early calligraphy was heavily influenced by the styles of the Northern and Southern Dynasties and the Sui Dynasty, with a somewhat rigid brushwork. Later, he diligently studied Zhong You (Zhong Yao) and Wang Xizhi (Wang Xizhi), and his later works, such as the "Yanta Shengjiao Xu," gradually broke free from the influence of Ouyang and Yu, delving directly into the realm of Wang Xizhi. His brushwork became supple and graceful, yet retained the simplicity and antiquity of his predecessors, allowing him to stand tall in the world of calligraphy. The Qing Dynasty calligrapher Liu Xizai praised him as the "great master of the Tang Dynasty's extensive education and civilization."