Hu Shiyan

Author: Yi Zhuang
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-12-01
Features:
Chu Suiliang (596-658), styled Dengshan, was a native of Qiantang (now Hangzhou, Zhejiang). During the reign of Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty, he was enfeoffed as the Earl of Henan and is thus often referred to as "Chu Henan." Historical records describe him as knowledgeable in literature and history, particularly skilled in calligraphy. Emperor Taizong once said, "After Yu Shìnán passed away, no one else could discuss calligraphy with me." Wei Zheng then recommended Chu Suiliang, saying, "Suiliang's brushwork is vigorous and deeply embodies the style of Wang Yishao." During Emperor Taizong's reign, he held positions such as Vice Director of the Chancellery and Counselor, eventually rising to the rank of Grand Secretary. Later, due to his opposition to Emperor Gaozong's decision to appoint Wu Zetian as empress, he was repeatedly demoted and ultimately died. In calligraphy, he initially studied under Ou Yangxun and later under Yu Shìnán, eventually drawing inspiration from Wang Xizhi, integrating the aesthetics of Han dynasty clerical script. His calligraphic style is characterized by: flourishing regular script, forming a unique style of its own, and graceful, varied cursive and semi-cursive scripts with numerous transformations. During his time, he was renowned alongside Ou Yangxun and Yu Shìnán, attracting many learners. Yan Zhenqing was also influenced by his work. The Tang Dynasty Calligraphy Critiques describes Chu's calligraphy as "golden in the characters and jade-like in the lines, with elegant rules and diverse beauty." His surviving steles include the Preface to the Three Buddhist Scriptures of Tongzhou, the Record of the Buddha's Niches in Yiquan, and the Stele for Master Meng, among others.