Zhang Xu's Cursive Calligraphy of Ancient Poems Four Sheets Huai Su's Cursive Calligraphy of Self-Description Scroll

Author: Tianjin Renmei
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-01-01
Features: Zhang Xu, a native of Wuxian, Jiangsu. He was primarily active during the Kaiyuan and Tianbao periods of the Tang Dynasty. (According to the research of Yixiong, Zhang Xu was born in 658 and died in 747.) His courtesy name was Boyao. He once served as the Chief of the Imperial Guards (or the Chief of the Commandery Guards), hence known as Zhang Changshi. Known for his unrestrained personality, he was also called Zhang Dian. He was skilled in poetry and calligraphy, especially in unbridled cursive script. The contemporaries regarded the poetry of Li Bai, the sword dance of Pei Jin, and the calligraphy of Zhang Xu as the "Three Perfections." Zhang Xu achieved remarkable accomplishments in calligraphy and had a profound influence. Yan Zhenqing studied under his tutelage, learning regular script from him. Calligraphers of cursive script from later generations, such as Huai Su and Huang Tingjian, were all influenced by Zhang Dian and succeeded in their craft. The "Four Ancient Poems" inscribed by Zhang Xu is considered a rare and invaluable treasure. The original is on paper, measuring 29 cm in height and 195 cm in width. It is now preserved in the Liaoning Provincial Museum.