Liu Style Creation Essentials

Author: Wang Yiming
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-01-01
Features: Liu Gongquan, a native of Jingzhao Huayuan (now Yaoyuan, Shaanxi), was born in the 13th year of the Dali era of Emperor Dezong of the Tang Dynasty (778) and passed away in the 6th year of the Xiantong era of Emperor Yizong of the Tang Dynasty (865, aged 88). He held the position of Taishi Shaoshi () and was thus known as "Liu Shaoshi" in later generations. He initially studied the calligraphy of Wang Xizhi and meticulously researched the styles of Ouyang Xun and Yan Zhenqing, eventually developing his own unique style. His regular script calligraphy is characterized by a strong yet graceful structure, with robust and vigorous strokes. Compared to Yan's style, Liu's characters are slightly leaner, earning him the reputation of "Yan's sinews and Liu's bones." Emperor Muzong once asked Liu Gongquan about the principles of his brushwork. Liu replied, "The brush lies in the heart; if the heart is upright, the brush will be upright." Emperor Mu was so moved that he changed his expression, as if he had received a lesson in calligraphy. In the "Mo Chi Bian" (Biography of Ink Pools) by Zhu Changwen of the Song Dynasty, it is said: "Liu Gongquan's regular script and running script are all masterpieces. He was not skilled in cursive script. His style originated from Yan but added strength and richness, establishing his own reputation." He initially studied the brushwork of Wang Xizhi, then extensively reviewed the calligraphy of modern masters, striving to transform Wang's style. He learned from Yan Zhenqing and incorporated his own innovations, avoiding the tendency of thin horizontal and thick vertical strokes. Instead, he adopted a balanced and lean style, chasing the sharp and decisive momentum of Wei Stele calligraphy. His strokes are brisk, elegant, and vigorous, with a tight and structured composition. Many later calligraphers have used Liu's characters as a model. Liu Gongquan's famous stone inscriptions passed down through generations include the "Shen Ce Jun Stele," "Xuan Mi Ta Stele," "Li Sheng Stele," "Fu Lin Stele," "Diamond Sutra," and "Feng Xu Stele," among others. His surviving ink manuscripts include the "Meng Zhao Tie" and the "Postscript to the 'Sending Pear' Scroll," both of which are excellent models for practice.