Essential for creating the Ou style

Author: Zhang Jingfang
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Publish Date: 2006-01-01
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Ouyang Xun (557-641 AD), a great calligrapher of the Tang Dynasty, styled Xintai, was from Linxiang, Tanzhou (now Changsha, Hunan). He held the position of Shuigeng Ling and was a scholar at the Hongwen Academy, and was enfeoffed as Marquis of Bohai. Ouyang Xun was a man of extensive learning, knowledgeable in classics and history, and was known as one of the "Four Masters of Early Tang" alongside Yu Shiren, Chu Suiliang, and Xue Ji. Ouyang Xun's calligraphy was influenced by Wang Xizhi but developed its own style. The "Tang Shu" states, "Xun initially emulated Wang Xizhi, whose bold and vigorous style surpassed others. He named his own style, and his letters and documents were regarded as models by people." Ouyang Xun's calligraphy is known for its strong brushwork, daring structure, and ability to absorb various styles to create something unique. He learned from the "Two Wangs" while also incorporating elements of clerical script and drawing inspiration from the bold and simple calligraphy of the Northern Dynasties. As a result, Ouyang Xun's calligraphy combines the refined and elegant style of the "Two Wangs" with the simplicity and grandeur of the Han and Wei dynasties, as well as the sharp and decisive lines. It is known as the "Ouyang Style" and has had a significant influence on later generations. The "Xuanhe Shupu" once praised, "Xun's regular script is the crown of calligraphy."