Li Yi's Running Script: 92 Methods of Structure

Author: Hanhai
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, freedom, and lively diversity. Running script is divided into two sub-styles: running regular script, which leans toward regular script, and running cursive script, which leans toward cursive script. Wang Xizhi and Li Yong's running script works are mostly running regular script, while Wang Xuanzhi and Mi Fu's running script works are mostly running cursive script. Wang Xizhi, Wang Xuanzhi, Li Yong, and Mi Fu are universally recognized as masters of running script in history. Their works share certain similarities but also exhibit distinct styles, each with its own unique strengths.
Wang Xizhi, styled Yishao, was a person from the Jin Dynasty. His running script in structure and brushwork is natural yet full of variation, establishing a model for later generations' running script. All subsequent masters of running script have followed his principles. This series of books selects Wang Xizhi's running script from the Huairen Collection of Wang Xizhi's Works, titled Preface to the Holy Teachings. Although this stele was compiled by Huairen from Wang Xizhi's characters, it is a precious surviving work of Wang Xizhi, embodying the essence 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. His structure and brushwork are expansive and continuous, with letters seamlessly connected in sequence, often incorporating elements of cursive script. This series of books features 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 left behind many running script works in ink. His running script is vigorous and expressive, full of dynamic changes. The transitions between strokes are smooth and interconnected, with ink tones ranging from dry to wet, light to dark, and rich in variation. This series of books features several works by Mi Fu, revealing his bold and unrestrained spirit amidst extraordinary elegance.
Since running script follows natural principles, the structure of characters in a single work varies in size, length, curvature, shape, inclination, and angle. This series of books uses a certain proportional enlargement, so the characters still differ in size. Please note this specially.