Tang Ouyang Xun's "Selected Characters from the Inscription of the Liquan Spring in the Jiucheng Palace"

Author: Ouyang Xun
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2002-02-25
Features: A selected version of "Liquan Ming from the Jiucheng Palace," by Ouyang Xun of the Tang Dynasty. Includes stroke demonstration illustrations. This piece is selected from Ouyang Xun's representative work, "Liquan Ming from the Jiucheng Palace," created when he was 75 years old. Ouyang Xun, styled Xinyuan, was a native of Linxiang, Tanzhou. He held the position of Taizisi Ligeng and was a scholar at Hongwen Academy, enfeoffed as Marquis of Bohai. He was one of the four great calligraphers of the early Tang Dynasty. This stele is characterized by strict rules, vigorous and square brushwork, and dynamic yet balanced structure. It is hailed as the epitome of regular script throughout history and is an excellent model for beginners in calligraphy. Before practicing, beginners must carefully analyze the brush movements of Ouyang's strokes, ensuring that the intention precedes the brush. Then, they should boldly apply the brush, spreading the hair as much as possible, allowing strokes to be slightly thicker than the original to achieve a heavy and full effect. In terms of structure, the square grid can be used to grasp the center of gravity of each character, prioritizing balance and stability. After reaching a certain level, gradually imitate the Northern Dynasties style with a slight influence of clerical script in Ouyang's brushwork. Pay attention to the correspondence of brush intent during the transition between lifting and pressing, and reflect Ouyang's dynamic tension and rhythmic sense of density and lightness in the structure. Progress step by step, and you will surely achieve success.