Dong Qichang Running Script

Author: Dong Qichang
Publisher:
Publish Date: 1999-01-01
Features: This series of albums selects a portion of Ming and Qing Dynasty calligraphy treasures from the collection of the Rongbaozhai, featuring various scripts such as regular, cursive, clerical, and seal scripts. Most of them are published for the first time. To facilitate readers in appreciating and understanding the original works, the albums include comprehensive presentations of the works, reproductions in original size, enlargements of details, and cover illustrations with selected color originals. These editorial enhancements are beneficial for practice, creation, and research.
Practicing calligraphy requires learning from stone inscriptions as a fundamental approach. Learning from stone inscriptions involves two key steps: observing the calligraphy and writing it. These two steps can be alternated. Observing calligraphy is the process of identifying strokes, structures, and layout by studying the calligraphy, preparing the mental groundwork for writing. Writing calligraphy, on the other hand, includes copying and tracing, both of which are referred to as "copying and tracing." Copying and tracing calligraphy means replicating the strokes, structures, and layout of the characters.
When practicing calligraphy, one should first copy the calligraphy while referring to the original, known as "side-by-side copying." After mastering side-by-side copying, one can write the characters entirely from memory without looking at the original, known as "free copying." Once free copying is proficient, it indicates that the learning of that calligraphy has reached a certain stage.
There are three methods for tracing calligraphy: red tracing, shadow tracing, and outline tracing. It is recommended that learners of stone inscriptions combine observation with copying and tracing. Additionally, copying and tracing can be combined using a three-step method: First, copy the calligraphy side-by-side. Second, trace the same calligraphy, which will reveal the errors made during the first step. Third, copy the same calligraphy again to correct the errors discovered during the second step. This method is highly effective in improving calligraphy practice efficiency.