Wang Xianzhi's 92 Methods of Running Script Structure

Author: Hanhai
Publisher:
Publish Date: 1999-01-01
Features: Running script is one of the most perfectly unified calligraphic styles in Chinese calligraphy, combining 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 walk freely and leisurely. The running script, while being convenient to write, also embodies the characteristics of being elegant, flowing, and lively. Running script is divided into two types: Running Regular Script () and Running Cursive Script (). 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 widely recognized as the great masters of running script throughout history. Their works share certain similarities but also exhibit distinct styles, each with their own unique strengths.
Wang Xizhi, styled Yishao, was a person from the Jin Dynasty. His running script, both in structure and brushwork, is natural yet full of variation, establishing the (paradigm) for later generations' running script. Subsequent masters of running script have all followed his principles. This series of books selects Wang Xizhi's running script from the Hairen Collection of Wang Xizhi's Holy Teaching Preface. Although this stele was compiled by Hairen from Wang Xizhi's characters, it is a precious existing work of Wang Xizhi, embodying the style of Wang's running script, particularly in Running Regular Script.
Wang Xuanzhi, styled Zijing, was Wang Xizhi's son. His running script was influenced by his father but also broke new ground. The structure and brushwork of his script are expansive and continuous, with characters seamlessly connected in sequence, often incorporating elements of cursive script. This series of books includes several short letters by Wang Xuanzhi, giving a glimpse of his style.
Li Yong, styled Taihe, was a person from the Tang Dynasty. 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 strong and dynamic posture, clear and spacious characters. This series of books 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 person from the Song Dynasty. Mi Fu's running script has many surviving ink traces, characterized by being vigorous and expressive, with dynamic and varied forms. The transitions between strokes are smooth, with a sense of flow. The ink tones range from dry to wet, light to dark, and exhibit extreme variation. This series of books includes multiple works by Mi Fu, revealing his heroic spirit amidst extraordinary and transcendent artistry.
Since running script follows natural principles, the structure of characters in a single work can vary in size, length, curvature, shape, tilt, or angle. This series of books uses a certain proportion of enlargement, so the characters still differ in size. Please note this specially.