Liu Gongquan Running Script Calligraphy Manuscript

Author: Liu Yajun Gong Chiyu (Editor)
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-04-24
Features: Liu Gongquan (778–865), a native of Huayuan in the capital of the Tang Dynasty, styled Chengxuan. He passed the imperial examination in the early Yuanhe era and rose to the position of Taizisi (Vice Grand Tutor of the Heir Apparent). He retired as Taibao (Grand Guardian of the Heir Apparent) and was enfeoffed as the Marquis of Hedong. He was renowned for his calligraphy, particularly his regular script. His calligraphic style was vigorous and elegant, forming a unique school of his own, and he was celebrated alongside Yan Zhenqing as the "Yan and Liu," a term reflecting their equal mastery. In the Continued Book Critique by Lu Zong of the Tang Dynasty, it is said: "[Liu Gongquan's] true and running scripts are like a heron avoiding hunger under a cliff by an eagle." In the Continued Book Judgment by Zhu Changwen of the Song Dynasty, Liu Gongquan's calligraphy was listed among the masterpieces. However, there were also critics of his work. In the Sehai Mingyan by Mi Fu of the Song Dynasty, it is stated: "[Liu Gongquan learned from Ou Yangxi, but he went even further, becoming the ancestor of ugly and grotesque calligraphy."