Yan Zhenqing's Draft of Eulogy for His Nephew

Author: Deng Ming
Publisher: Shanghai Fine Arts Publishing House
Publication Date: 2005-10-01
Features: Running script in black ink, written by Yan Zhenqing. 28.2 cm in height, 72.3 cm in width, 25 lines, totaling 230 characters. This manuscript was originally a draft and was not intended as a calligraphic work. However, precisely because it was not written with the intention of calligraphy, the piece exudes a dynamic spirit, bold brushwork, and a natural grace. Zhang Yan once remarked: "Official documents are inferior to letters, letters are inferior to drafts. Official documents are formal and constrained, while letters reflect spontaneous inspiration, allowing for greater freedom. Drafts, on the other hand, are written without conscious effort, where hand and mind are one, revealing true excellence." In the Yuan Dynasty, Xian Yu Shu praised this piece as the "Second Best Running Script in the World." In this original manuscript, every instance of thirsty brushwork and ink trails is clearly visible, allowing one to observe the brush's movement and the subtleties of the brush tip, which is highly beneficial for learning running script. The original is now housed in the Palace Museum in Taipei.
Yan Zhenqing (709–785), a cousin of Tang Dynasty calligrapher Yan Ji Ming, and his father Yan Gaoqing perished in the An Lushan Rebellion in the first year of the Zhi era (756). In the first year of the Qianyuan era (785), Yan Zhenqing wrote this draft in extreme grief before his nephew's spirit tablet. The draft's intent was not to write but to let the brushwork flow naturally, blending seal script techniques into running script. It is like molten gold pouring out, flowing effortlessly, as if rushing a thousand miles, occasionally displaying strength yet mixed with elegance. As Su Dongpo once said, "The best calligraphy has no (deliberate intent)," and it is known as the "Second Best Running Script in the World," second only to Wang Xizhi's Preface to the Orchid Pavilion.
The draft is written on white hemp paper, originally 23 lines and 234 characters, with 34 characters later revised, totaling 268 characters. The original manuscript was in the possession of Wu Ting's family during the Ming Dynasty and later passed into the Qing imperial collection before being moved to Taiwan. This piece is one of Yan Zhenqing's three renowned running script manuscripts. The other two are the Dispute for the Seat and the Draft to His Elder Brother.