Li Yong 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. The running script, while being convenient to write, also embodies the characteristics of elegance, freedom, and lively diversity. Running script is divided into two types: Running Regular Script () and Running Cursive Script (). The former leans towards regular script, while the latter leans towards cursive script. Wang Xizhi and Li Yong's running script works are mostly Running Regular Script, while Wang Xianzhi and Mi Fu's works are mostly Running Cursive Script. Wang Xizhi, Wang Xianzhi, Li Yong, and Mi Fu are widely recognized as the great masters of running script throughout history. Their works share commonalities yet exhibit distinct styles, each with their unique strengths.
Wang Xizhi, styled Yishao, was a person from the Jin Dynasty. His running script, both in structure and brushwork, is natural yet full of variation, establishing a model for later generations' running script. Subsequent masters of running script have all followed his principles. This series of books selects Wang Xizhi's running script from the Huairen Collection of Wang Xizhi's Holy Teaching Preface. Although this stele was compiled by Huairen, it is a precious surviving work of Wang Xizhi, embodying the essence of Wang's running script, particularly in Running Regular Script.
Wang Xianzhi, styled Zijing, was Wang Xizhi's son. His running script was influenced by his father but also innovated boldly. The structure and brushwork are expansive and continuous, with characters seamlessly connected in sequence, often incorporating elements of cursive script. This series of books features several short letters by Wang Xianzhi, offering 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 robust and dynamic posture, clear and spacious characters. This series of books selects Li Yong's running script from his famous Stele of Li Sixin, vividlying the innovative style of Tang Dynasty running script.
Mi Fu, styled Yuanzhang, was a person from the Song Dynasty. Mi Fu's running script has many surviving traces, characterized by boldness and diversity. The transitions between strokes are fluid, with a sense of momentum throughout. The ink tones vary from dry to wet, light to dark, and are full of changes. This series of books selects multiple works by Mi Fu, revealing his heroic spirit amidst extraordinary and transcendent artistry.
Since running script follows the natural laws of calligraphy, the structure of characters in a single piece can vary in size, length, curvature, shape, and angle—sometimes large, sometimes small; sometimes long, sometimes short; sometimes curved, sometimes straight; sometimes square, sometimes round; sometimes leaning, sometimes tilted. Due to the proportional enlargement used in this series of books, the characters still differ in size. This is specially noted.