Liu Gongquan Running Script

Author: Liu Gongquan
Publisher:
Publish Date: 1992-12-01
Features: Practicing calligraphy requires learning from stone inscriptions as a necessary path. Learning stone inscriptions involves two aspects: reading and writing. These two can be alternated repeatedly. Reading involves identifying strokes, structure, and composition by studying the inscriptions, preparing for writing. Writing, on the other hand, includes tracing and copying. These are collectively referred to as tracing and copying. Tracing and copying inscriptions mean imitating the strokes, structure, and composition of the characters. When practicing, one should first trace the characters by comparing them with the original. This is called "direct tracing." After mastering direct tracing, one can write the characters entirely from memory without looking at the original, which is called "back tracing." Once back tracing is proficient, it indicates that the study of the inscription is complete. Copying inscriptions can be done in several ways: red tracing, shadow copying, and outline copying. It is recommended that learners of stone inscriptions combine reading with tracing and copying. Moreover, tracing and copying can be combined. The three-step method—tracing, copying, and then tracing again—can be used for repeated practice. The first step is to trace the inscription once; the second step is to copy the same inscription, which can reveal the errors made during the first step; the third step is to trace the same inscription again to correct the errors discovered during the second step. This method is very helpful for improving calligraphy practice efficiency.
Liu Gongquan was born in the 13th year of the Dali era of the Tang Dynasty and passed away in the 6th year of the Xiantong era (778–865). His courtesy name was Chengxuan, and he was from Huayuan, Jingzhao (now Yao County, Shaanxi). During Emperor Xianzong's reign, he held positions such as Secretary of the Chancellery, Censor, Vice Minister of Works, and Court Gentleman of the Heir Apparent, eventually becoming the Senior Master of the Heir Apparent and enfeoffed as the Earl of Hedong. He was skilled in calligraphy, especially in regular and running scripts, and was known as the "Liu Style," alongside Yan Zhenqing, who were collectively called the "Yan and Liu." Although Liu Gongquan lived in the late Tang Dynasty, when the golden age of calligraphy had passed and there were many masters, he refused to be complacent. He diligently summarized the successes and shortcomings of the four great masters of the early Tang Dynasty and Yan Zhenqing, leveraging his extensive knowledge, sharp wit, and ability to learn from others. He established his own style, pioneered a new path, and created the "Liu Style," becoming the second innovator in Tang Dynasty calligraphy. This book selects the Diamond Sutra as one of Liu Gongquan's most representative works in small regular script. It is widely practiced and appreciated by calligraphy enthusiasts.