Dao Yin Monk Stele. Quan Nian Sheng Mu Zhi

Author: Sun Baowen
Publisher:
Publish Date: 1999-10-01
Features: Ouyang Tong, styled Tongshi, was a native of Linxiang, Tangzhou (now Changsha, Hunan). He was the fourth son of Ouyang Xun and was born in an unknown year, dying in the second year of the Tianshou era of Empress Wu Zetian (691 AD). He served as a Zhongshu Shaoren and was enfeoffed as the Marquis of Bohai. He learned calligraphy from his father and was renowned as one of the "Great and Small Ouyang." Dong You in his Guangchuan Shubia remarked: "Tong's brushwork is vigorous and perilous, fully embodying the family's style." Zhu Changwen in Xushu Duan believed: "Although he inherited the vigor and sharpness of Xun, his demeanor falls short, yet he can still reach the realm of excellence." According to records, Tong lost his father at an early age and did not receive direct tutelage from his father. His calligraphy was guided by his mother, Lady Xu, who collected his father's works and studied them diligently. Even if there were differences or if some deemed his work inferior, it was understandable given the circumstances.