Tang Ouyang Xun Thousand Characters Classic

Author: None
Publisher: Xiling Press
Publication Date: 2005-11-01
Features: Ouyang Xun (557–641), styled Xinyen, was a native of Linxiang, Tanzhou (now Changsha, Hunan). His achievements in calligraphy were primarily in regular script, characterized by bold and vigorous strokes, unique structures, and later known as the "Ouyang Style." It originated from Han dynasty clerical script, with a strong and sharp bone structure, strict adherence to rules, and a balance of stability and dynamism, as well as elegance within discipline. His regular script is renowned for works like Nine Dragons Stepping into the Spring Pool (Jiu Cheng Gong Li Quan Ming), while his running script is celebrated for pieces such as Dreaming of the Tomb (Meng Dian Tie) and Zhang Han Tie. In other scripts, he was equally skilled. The Tang calligrapher Zhang Huaiquan, in his Book Judgment (Shu Duan), remarked: "Ouyang mastered all eight scripts, with exceptionally bold and vigorous strokes. His seal script was particularly refined, his flying white unmatched, surpassing the ancients. His brushwork resembled the struggle of dragons and snakes, the subtlety of clouds and mist, as if driven by wind and thunder. His regular and running scripts, inherited from the younger Wang Xizhi, formed a distinct style—like a forest of spears and pikes, severe in spirit but lacking the refinement of Yu Shennan. His cursive script flowed like a surging river, comparable to the Wangs, yet its boldness and daring risked sacrificing elegance." Yu Shennan praised him for being "able to write beautifully with any paper or brush." Moreover, he was also adept at clerical script. The Stele for Fang Yanqian of Xuzhou, dated the fifth year of the Zhenguan era, is a prime example of his clerical script. His clerical script was highly regarded, and works like Memorial for the Monk Yi of Huadu Temple (Hua Duosi Yi Shi Lie Shi Ta Ming), Stele for Wen Yanbo of Yu Gong (Yu Gong Gong Wen Yanbo Bei), and Stele for Huangfu Tan (Huangfu Dan Bei) were considered the pinnacle of Tang regular script. His regular script, both in stroke and structure, followed strict conventions, making it ideal for beginners. The later "Thirty-Six Methods of Ouyang's Structure" summarized the structural principles derived from his calligraphy. His running script Zhang Han Thinking of His Home (Zhang Han Si Lu Tie) featured elongated forms and vigorous strokes. His preserved ink works are particularly valuable. Ouyang Xun's son, Ouyang Tong, inherited his calligraphic legacy. Both father and son were renowned in the calligraphy world, earning the title "Great and Little Ouyang." The Little Ouyang's Stele for Daoyin Monk (Dao Yin Fa Shi Bei) had a stronger clerical script influence but was less restrained in expression compared to his father.