Nine Palace Liquor Spring Inscription

Author: Liang Guanglin
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2001-07-01
Features: This stele was inscribed by Ouyang Xun at the age of seventy-five. The calligraphy is lean and vigorous, with a spirit that is exhilarating and balanced. It embodies the within the ordinary, combining the elegance and refinement of the Southern Dynasties with the strength and grandeur of Northern Steles. This unique style, characterized by hard bones and full flesh, is both perilous and harmonious. Song monk Jushi Juyan praised in Beizanji Collection: "In the early Zhenguan era, Ouyang, Yu, Chu, and Xue, with the talent of court ministers, wielded the brush to match the Wangs. Their calligraphy was strict, lean, and vigorous, with Ouyang standing out uniquely. The Huadusi Ji and Liquan Ming are particularly treasured." Yuan Yu remarked: "The flourishing of regular script began in the Tang Dynasty. Among Ouyang, Yu, Chu, and Xue, they are particularly renowned. I believe Ouyang should be ranked first among the four. Observing this stele, its structure is strict, its spirit vigorous, and it does not contradict the divine essence and strength of Wang Xizhi. It is truly a treasure of the world." Qing Weng Fanggang commented: "Ouyang's calligraphy expresses its temperament with round brushstrokes and its appearance with square and neat strokes. Its simplicity and antiquity are deeply rooted in seal and clerical scripts. Observing this stele, one must understand this meaning to truly appreciate it."