Huai Su's Running Script Thousand Characters and Its Calligraphy Techniques

Author: Gu Minfang
Publisher:
Publish Date: 1999-10-01
Features: Huai Su (752–785 AD, 737–? unknown), a Tang Dynasty monk, styled Zangzhen, with the secular surname Qian. He was from Changsha, Hunan. According to Huai Su's "Autobiographical Scroll," he grew up in poverty and became a monk in his youth. While sitting cross-legged and reciting scriptures, he enjoyed practicing calligraphy. Due to the lack of opportunity to observe the works of previous calligraphers, his knowledge was limited. When writing letters, he would carry a calligraphy case and hold a clapper, traveling west to the capital Chang'an to meet renowned calligraphers of the time. By analyzing their works, as well as ancient calligraphy and letters, Huai Su was deeply inspired whenever he saw these pieces without any stiffness or clumsiness. His mind was instantly broadened.