Meng Yue and over a hundred others: Inscription on the statues

Author: Lu Fusheng
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2003-07-01
Features: The Great Series of Chinese Folk Calligraphy. "The Stele of over 100 People Creating Images of Chang Yue and Others" adopts the grid-style drawing method of "The Stele of Shi Ping Gong Creating Images," reflecting a respectful attitude in its execution. Coupled with the exquisite calligraphy and carving, it presents a meticulous attention to detail, making it an outstanding work among Northern Wei sculptures. At the same time, it is a typical stele that blends clerical and regular script, with regular script dominating. In its brushwork, we can clearly sense the rigorous discipline of Tang Dynasty regular script, such as some characters approaching the brushwork and structural features of Yan Zhenqing's "Multi-Buddha Stele." However, this Northern Wei stele, being in the transitional period of gradual refinement and integration, maintains a relatively balanced composition overall. Yet, certain local treatments still exhibit the natural and innocent characteristics typical of Northern Wei calligraphy. When practicing this stele, the brushwork should primarily use exposed-tip square strokes, with clear transitions in pressure and direction. In terms of structure, square forms should be emphasized, while retaining some of the wave-like and pointed strokes of clerical script to enhance its ancient charm. For certain structural treatments, one must consider visual aesthetics without overemphasizing bizarre or eccentric shapes, as this may disrupt the overall artistic effect. It can be said that the process of practicing this stele is also one of re-creation, as the practice copies left by for posterity demonstrate this. This stele can serve as an intermediate practice piece for those already familiar with Tang Dynasty regular script and seeking further innovation and refinement.