Tang Sun Guoting's Selected Calligraphies of Generations: Shupu

Author: Jiang Yinmo
Publisher: Xiling Press
Publication Date: 2006-01-01
Features: Tang Dynasty cursive script, Sun Guoting as one of its masters. Although the late Tang's Lu Zong's Continuation of Book Reviews listed twelve Tang cursive script masters, ranking Zhang Xu first and Guoting second, and describing [Sun Guoting's script, as if cliffs and ravines, with a firm and strong brushwork], we still cannot overlook the existence of Huai Su's (wild cursive) and (minor cursive), as well as Yan Zhenqing's (running script). Even if we say that Sun excelled in regular script, running script, and cursive script, he still could not be compared to Yan. However, his contributions in theory, as the Revere the King argument of early Tang, have had a significant impact on the calligraphy world then and now, which other calligraphers could not match. In his own words, he could be said to [specialize in minor flaws while broadlying excellence. Sun Guoting (c. 646–691, or c. 648–703), named Qianli, styled Guoting, was from Chenliu (now Kaifeng, Henan). Based on his self-designation [Wu Jun], it is known that his clan origin might have been from Fuyang. He served as the Right Guard's Attendant and the Recorder of the Commandery. From his friend Pei Ziyang's epitaph for him, which mentions [in his youth, he valued filial piety and fraternal duty, not learning literature; as he grew older, he sought the Way, not engaging in official duties], [at forty, he met you, and suffered slanderous debates], and [his later years' writings remain immortal even after death. What do favor and disgrace mean to me! His ambition was unfulfilled, and he died of a sudden illness in the guest quarters of Zhuyeyi in Luoyang], it is clear that Sun came from a humble background and could not smoothly study or enter official service. Moreover, due to his high moral integrity, he was slandered and dismissed from office after a short time. Even when he retired to study calligraphy, he still did not fully achieve his ambitions.
Sun Guoting's Book Spectrum, most scholars believe it should actually be called Preface to the Book Spectrum. It does not match the claim in its preface [compiled into six chapters, divided into two volumes]. In many places, it only states his writing purpose, belonging to the body of a preface. Additionally, Pei Ziyang's [his ambition was unfulfilled] might suggest that the main text of Sun's Book Spectrum was not completed before he died of a sudden illness. Furthermore, the Song Emperor Huizong's inscription in thin gold script on the Preface to Sun Guoting's Book Spectrum also reflects the authoritative views of the time.
Regarding his calligraphic works, Zhang Huaiquan's Book Judgments describes [broad and erudite, his cursive script follows the principles of the Two Wangs (Wang Xizhi and Wang Xianzhi), skilled in brushwork, outstanding and decisive, valuing novelty and curiosity, yet lacking practicality, with natural talent]. Song Mi, in particular, highly praises the Book Spectrum, commenting [it has the style of the Two Wangs, with the base of the strokes near the front and straight, this is Guoting's style. Any calligraphy in the world called the Two Wangs' script that has such characters is by Sun. No Tang cursive script follows the Two Wangs better than his]. The Xuanhe Book Spectrum in Volume 18 further states [his cursive script is so powerful that it rivals Xie An and Xuan Xuan, especially brilliant in brushwork]. [Guoting's small-character script resembles the Two Wangs, making it clear that he imitates them. However, he tends to write hastily, which critics dislike, but it is his own charm]. Liu Xizai's Book Overview analyzes [his brushwork breaks yet becomes more complete, chaotic yet more orderly, ethereal yet more profound, graceful yet more robust], all agreeing that his cursive script follows the style of the Two Wangs, achieving the effect of surpassing the master.
Although we must also acknowledge opposing views, such as Su Guo's Ode to Calligraphy describing [Qianli's cursive script is like the style of the common people. A thousand sheets are the same, and a thousand characters are identical, as if seen in coldness,], overall, compared to the difficult-to-understand Zhang Cursive and the difficult-to-recognize Wild Cursive, the modern cursive is more suitable for learners to enter the realm. Compared to other modern cursive scripts, the Book Spectrum is a direct and un authentic work. Thus, it has become one of the suitable models for us to study cursive script today.