Han·Lì "Cao Quan Stele" Master Calligraphy Collection of Dynasties: Character Spectrum Beginner's Textbook

Author: Wenming Bian
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-03-01
Features: The former master had three magical tools for teaching calligraphy: the "Hundred Family Surnames" for teaching basic characters, the "Three Hundred Poems" for teaching poetry, and for teaching calligraphy, the "Nine-Crystal Palace Stele," "Dapota Stele," "Yan Qinli Stele," "Xuanmi Stele," and "Shencaijun Stele." Young learners were immersed in these, which was highly beneficial. Practitioners of calligraphy must start with regular script, and the regular script is valued for the works of Yan, Liu, and Ou of the Tang Dynasty. Each of the three has its own style, but Ou's script is particularly comprehensive, so teachers often prioritize it when teaching calligraphy, followed by Yan and then Liu.
The "Liquanming Stele of the Nine-Crystal Palace" has a rigorous structure and strong, upright bones. Yan's script is characterized by its thickness, power, and grandeur, with bold, unrestrained yet dignified strokes. Huang Dianjian once remarked, "Its elegance and brilliance encompass the artistic spirit of the Wei, Jin, Song, and Tang dynasties. Compared to the strict rules of Ou, Yu, Chu, and others, it is far more natural and unrestrained." Its brushwork is clear and easy to observe, learn, and master.
Liu's script, in its early stages, tends to be more angular with more influence from clerical script. In the middle stages, it becomes rounder, with lighter horizontal strokes and heavier vertical ones, resembling the "head of a silkworm" and "tail of a swallow." Its brushwork is delicate and refined. The external horizontal and vertical strokes are thin, and its structure tends toward elegance, simplicity, and grandeur.
The compiler of this book felt that many young learners of calligraphy had practiced for years but struggled to achieve proper form, leading to wasted effort and slow progress. Therefore, they devoted themselves to research and compiled this series of books, including the "Liquanming Stele of the Nine-Crystal Palace," "Yan Qinli Stele," "Dapota Stele," "Shencaijun Stele," and "Xuanmi Stele." This series not only breaks down the techniques of Yan, Liu, and Ou scripts but also integrates them effectively, making it useful for beginners. It helps them grasp the key principles and progress steadily, laying a solid foundation for further growth.