Zhao Mengfu Danba Imperial Preceptor Stele

Author: Xinglin Editor
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-01-01
Features: Zhao Mengfu advocated for learning calligraphy through official success and adherence to rules, striving to directly draw inspiration from the Jin and Tang dynasties. He opposed the [near-style], or the Nanliao calligraphy style. For this, he learned from multiple masters and excelled in seal script, clerical script, regular script, running script, and cursive script, [thus gaining fame in calligraphy.] His seal script was modeled after the Shigudwen, his clerical script after Zhong Yao, and his running and cursive script after the Wangs. He also copied famous Tang Dynasty calligraphy works, all with exceptional skill. Especially, he conducted systematic research on the calligraphy of the Wangs, dedicating great effort and reaping deep benefits. Zhao Chengzhi's Postscript on Copying the Xianti states that he copied the Lanting Preface hundreds of times, none of which were less than lifelike. Zhao's calligraphy excelled in running and regular script, and his achievements were outstanding. He not only influenced the calligraphy style of the Yuan Dynasty but also had a profound impact on the Ming and Qing dynasties. Throughout his life, Zhao Mengfu created a vast number of works, most of which are preserved as running, regular, and cursive scripts. Notable works include The Great Cave Jade Sutra, The Legend of the, The Luoxing Fu, The Stele for Emperor Danba, and dozens of others. The Stele for Emperor Danba is a large regular script on paper, measuring 33.7 cm in height and 566 cm in width. It is now preserved in the Palace Museum. His regular script first learned from the Lanting Preface by Wang Xingzhe, and later drew nourishment from steles like Li Yong's Yuelusi Stele, removing the risky and frivolous brushwork to transform into a dignified and elegant style. The Stele for Emperor Danba is a late work of Zhao's, with a dignified and solemn structure, strong and vigorous. It is a model of Zhao's large regular script.