Wang Duo's Cursive Calligraphy Techniques

Author: He Manzong
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-04-01
Features: Chinese characters are not only symbols for recording and conveying speech but also a unique and marvelous art of linear expression. Traditional Chinese art is often referred to as "calligraphy and painting," and its influence remains evident in Japan and South Korea, which have been deeply shaped by Chinese culture. This is unimaginable in Western art circles. From an artistic perspective, cursive and semi-cursive scripts are a style that can fully express an artist's unrestrained and sincere nature while also being easily appreciated by the public. Generations of calligraphers who left behind collections of works often excelled in cursive and semi-cursive scripts, rarely using regular script for plaques or inscriptions. Yan Zhenqing's Draft of Eulogy for His Nephew, Seating Contest Manuscript, and Poem for Pei General are all considered more accomplished than his regular script works. Beyond plastic arts, cursive script in Chinese calligraphy is particularly capable of expressing the beauty of dance, as well as the melody and rhythm of music. In light of this, Hunan Literature and Art Publishing House has organized this series of Practical Manuals on Cursive Script Techniques, carefully selecting famous works by masters such as Wang Xizhi, Huai Su, Sun Guoting, Huang Tingjian, and Song Ke. The explainers are all young calligraphers who are well-versed in cursive script research and highly regarded for their artistic skills. They provide a thorough analysis of both general principles and unique characteristics, covering techniques of brushwork, methods of structure, layout and composition, as well as the emotions conveyed through ink and brush. Years of insights gained from exploring the depths of calligraphy are compiled in these books, offering readers a shortcut to mastering the art. With this collection, the door to cursive script is immediately before us.