Qianlong's Cursive Script Dictionary

Author: Shi Liang (Qing Dynasty)
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2006-06-01
Features: The cursive script, as one of the traditional calligraphic styles of ancient China, possesses unique structures and layouts. Observing the strict rules of predecessors' cursive scripts, it also exhibits great variety. Since the Xie and Xuan dynasties of the Wei and Jin periods, calligraphers of each generation have reached remarkable heights. However, often the same character varies greatly among different calligraphers, with swirling and dynamic forms, making them difficult to identify, which inevitably evokes a sense of awe. During the Qianlong period of the Qing Dynasty, the calligrapher Shi Liang compiled a comprehensive collection of cursive scripts from famous calligraphers of past dynasties, titled "The Cursive Script Classics," divided into twelve volumes. Each volume arranges the calligraphic works of various masters according to the character classification of the "Character Dictionary," incorporating multiple styles of the same master and annotating the calligrapher's name beside each character. The character "shu" is written using the ancient double-hook copying method, preserving the original character's appearance. Each volume contains all styles, presenting a magnificent spectacle. In addition to the main compilation, each volume supplements several additional sections to ensure completeness. This book's organization includes a new general index for the entire work, a newly compiled index of regular script radicals for easy retrieval, and the original book's postscript has been moved to the beginning for quick reference. It is now published in facsimile to serve as a reference for calligraphic appreciation, reading, and the study of historical and literary ancient texts.