Xue Ji Xing Xing Chan Shi Bei

Author: Compiled by the Press
Publisher:
Publication Date: 2001-12-01
Features: Xue Ji was also known as "Xue Shaobao" by the. Xue Ji, Ouyang Xun, Yu Shilang, and Chu Suiliang were collectively known as the Four Great Calligraphers of Early Tang. Xue's calligraphy has always been highly regarded for its majestic and profound style, exuding an invincible dignity that has long been admired by the virtuous. The structure of his calligraphy is well-proportioned, harmonious in form and substance, and balanced in strength and subtlety, setting a classic example of "method" for the world. Learning calligraphy should be grounded and rooted in composure, and regular script is the ideal script for cultivating such discipline. The calligraphy of this stele was created during Xue Ji's mature period, with a powerful and robust style throughout, making it a fine example of regular script. Tang Dynasty regular script is characterized by its well-defined structure, strict adherence to rules, balanced composition, precise brushwork, and harmonious layout. The structure is well-proportioned, harmonious in form and substance, and balanced in strength and subtlety, setting a classic example of "method" for the world. Regular script evolved from clerical script during the Wei, Jin, and Southern and Northern Dynasties periods, reaching remarkable maturity by the Tang Dynasty. The signs of maturity include: first, the gradual abandonment of the wave-like and tapering strokes typical of clerical script in favor of the round-ended strokes of regular script; second, the transition from slightly oblong to square forms; and third, the refinement of character shapes, with the "Yong" character's eight methods being particularly complete. Especially, Tang regular script is steady and dignified, perfectly aligning with the principles of calligraphy. It not only cultivates temperament and suits official documents but also facilitates inscriptions, calligraphy, and large-character writing. Thus, once Xue's calligraphy emerged, it attracted countless learners. Of course, Xue's calligraphy is even more important for its majestic and profound style, exuding an invincible dignity that has long been admired by the virtuous. Xue Ji was the nephew of Wei Zheng, the prime minister during Emperor Taizong's reign. His family possessed numerous authentic works by Yu Shilang and Chu Suiliang, so he devoted himself to copying them, especially Chu Suiliang's regular script, with such skill that his work was almost indistinguishable from the original. As a result, the saying "Buying Chu's calligraphy, you get Xue's integrity" emerged, and he gained fame for his calligraphy. Dong Qiao's "Guangchuan Shubu" commented: "Xue Ji's calligraphy encompasses the legacy of Ouyang, Yu, Chu, and Lu, making his methods authoritative. However, his artistic essence is closest to Chu's. In terms of brushwork, he is slender and refined, with an open composition, setting him apart as a unique style." The "Xinxing Fashi Stele" is Xue Ji's masterpiece, with over 1,800 characters written by Prince Yue Li Zhen and erected in the second year of Emperor Zhongzong's Shenlong era (706). The original stele has long been lost, with only a copy preserved by He Zizhen of Daozhou, who owned a damaged copy of Jia Sidao. It is now held by Kyoto Daigaku University in Japan. In the third year of the Xuantong era, the Shenzhou Guanguo Press published a photolithographic edition, and the Zhengshuju also published a photolithographic edition. The volume includes inscriptions by Wang Zuo and Wu Rongguang and other renowned calligraphers. The stele features elegant and slender brushwork, with an open and spacious composition, resembling Chu Suiliang's "Fangliang Gong Stele" and "Yanta Shengjiao Xu." However, it is even more refined and concise. Though derived from Chu, it possesses a unique style, as Wang Zuo noted: "The 'Xinxing Fashi Stele' exhibits harmonious and serene brushwork, blending ancient and modern qualities without the affectations of later styles." Zhang Huaiquan's "Shu Duan" also praised his calligraphy: "Xue Ji's calligraphy learns from Chu, particularly favoring elegance and refinement, with a delicate and harmonious brushwork that captures half of his teacher's essence. He can be considered a high disciple of Henan and was highly treasured in his time." Xue Ji's younger brother, Xue Yang, was also skilled in regular script and was as renowned as his brother. This edition features a photolithographic reproduction of the copy preserved by He Zizhen, offering a treat for all calligraphy enthusiasts.