Wang Xizhi's Running Script Structure: 92 Methods

Author: Hanhai Editorial
Publisher:
Publish Date: 1999-01-01
Features: Running script is one of the most perfect styles in Chinese calligraphy that unifies practicality and artistry. The ancients said: "Regular script is like standing, running script is like walking, and cursive script is like running (or rushing)." Walking, in this context, means to stroll gracefully and leisurely. Running script, while being convenient to write, embodies the characteristics of elegance, liveliness, and diversity. Running script is divided into two types: Running Regular Script (Xingkai) and Running Cursive Script (Xingcao). The former leans towards regular script, while the latter leans towards cursive script. Wang Xizhi and Li Yong's running script works are mostly Running Regular Script, while Wang Xuanzhi and Mi Fu's works are mostly Running Cursive Script. Wang Xizhi, Wang Xuanzhi, Li Yong, and Mi Fu are universally recognized as the great masters of running script in history. Their works share commonalities yet exhibit distinct styles, each with its own unique charm.
Wang Xizhi, styled Yishao, was a Jin dynasty figure. His running script, both in structure and brushwork, is natural yet full of variation, establishing a model for later generations. Subsequent masters of running script have all followed his principles. This series selects Wang Xizhi's running script from the Hairen Collection of Wang Xizhi's Works, titled Preface to the Holy Teachings. Although this stele was compiled by Hairen using Wang Xizhi's characters, it is a treasured surviving work that fully embodies the style of Wang Xizhi's running script, making it a Running Regular Script piece.
Wang Xuanzhi, styled Zijin, was Wang Xizhi's son. His running script, learned from his father, also broke new ground. The structure and brushwork are expansive and continuous, with letters connected in a natural flow, often interspersed with cursive elements. This series features several short letters by Wang Xuanzhi, offering a glimpse of his style.
Li Yong, styled Taihe, was a Tang dynasty figure. Li Yong's running script is particularly suitable for beginners. This is because his structure and brushwork are mostly in Running Regular Script, with a robust and clear style. This series selects Li Yong's famous Stele of Li Sixin to vividly recreate the innovative style of Tang dynasty running script.
Mi Fu, styled Yuanzhang, was a Song dynasty figure. Mi Fu's running script has many surviving ink traces, characterized by boldness and dynamic variation. The transitions between strokes are fluid, with a natural progression of brush pressure and ink density, all in constant change. This series features multiple works by Mi Fu, revealing his heroic spirit amidst extraordinary elegance.
Since running script follows natural principles, the structure of letters in a work can vary in size, length, curvature, shape, inclination, and angle. This series enlarges the works to a certain scale, but variations in size still exist. Please note this accordingly.