Works on the History and Theory of Calligraphy

Author: Wang Huailin
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-06-01
Features: Guiding master's thesis, I strive to achieve two goals. One is to confirm the topic through extensive reading and to prove the academic value of the arguments with comparative detailed materials, thereby reflecting the author's solid foundation and largely independent research ability. The other is that the topic should have good plasticity, and its by-products, such as the relevant people, events, and works involved in the thesis, may become research subjects during a period after graduation, or new problems may be discovered during the process of data organization and research. A good thesis requires publication-level quality, and even those with potential for improvement should also meet this standard. Of course, this refers to the ability to identify and solve problems. A master's thesis is the gateway to academic pursuits and should not be a mere stepping stone for obtaining a degree. However, it is not easy for every student to recognize this and consciously work toward it. In some cases, the influence of university teachers cannot overcome the allure of society. Jilin University is located in a remote area in Northeast China, where there are cold and snowy weather for four or five months a year. Students from outside, especially those from the south, who come here to study and pursue higher education, are all dedicated and hardworking students. Even with some shortcomings, it can be said that the flaws do not obscure the virtues. The teachers still have enough patience and enthusiasm to guide their studies. Huailin comes from Xiangxi, Hunan, and is a Tujia ethnic minority. I was both surprised and relieved when he was admitted. As for how he endured three cold winters here, I never thought about it. Huailin enjoys reading in the archives of the Institute of Ancient Books. Soon after his enrollment, I discovered this strength and also heard praise from other teachers, which brought me great comfort. Hard work is important, but so is critical thinking. Indeed, Huailin did not disappoint me in this regard either. When I guided Huailin's thesis, I mainly did two things: one was to help him confirm the topic of Xu Hao and remind him to pay attention to the academic value of his two book reviews; the other was technical supervision. Among the master's theses I guided, Huailin was one of the more manageable ones. His intelligence combined with diligence made it natural for him to pass smoothly. Like many young people who want to achieve something and experience modern life earlier, Huailin went to Zhongshan, Guangdong after graduation and immersed himself in the waves of economic activities. Although he was teaching, it was still different from academic research. From the perspective of academic research, it is difficult to achieve results without immersing oneself in deep study. In my heart, I felt a bit of regret until he returned to his hometown, Jishou University, to teach and resumed academic work, when we reconnected. The gap between teacher and student during that time truly had the flavor of "different paths, no mutual understanding." Thinking back, I can't help but sigh in frustration, unable to articulate the mixed feelings. Recently, Huailin sent me the manuscript of his newly published "Collected Essays on the History and Theory of Calligraphy," which includes a discussion on the Yan Ye Qin bamboo slips that I recently reviewed and recommended for publication in the journal Chinese Calligraphy. The remaining research on Yan Zhenqing and Xu Hao, either part of the master's thesis or its by-products, all reflect the academic collaboration between teacher and student back then. Seeing them, the various scenes from ten years ago, when Huailin enrolled, to the three years of his graduation, all resurfaced vividly in my mind. Though it feels like just yesterday, the mirror shows my already graying hair. Ten years is not a short time. When Huailin asked me to say something for his collection, the first thoughts that came to mind were these—narrating old friendships and past events, while also being delighted that Huailin has returned to academic pursuits.