Selected Calligraphies of Past Generations: Yan Zhenqing's "Draft of Eulogy for His Nephew" and "Dispute over Seating"

Author: Jiang Yin, edited by Mo Xiaobu
Publisher: Xiling Press
Publish Date: 2005-11-01
Features: Yan Zhenqing, born in the third year of the Jinglong era of Emperor Zhongzong of the Tang Dynasty (709 AD) and died in the first year of the Zhenyuan era of Emperor Dezong of the Tang Dynasty (785 AD), aged 77. He was from Langya Linyi (Linyi, Shandong). His style name was Qingchen. He was a representative figure of calligraphic innovation during the mid-Tang period. His regular script was dignified and majestic, with an expansive and bold style. His running script was vigorous and harmonious, with a dynamic and spirited appearance. His calligraphy combined the artistic spirit and rules of previous styles while not being bound by ancient conventions. He broke away from the rigid adherence to rules in the early Tang Dynasty, forming his own unique style known as the "Trembling Body" style.
Ouyang Xiu of the Song Dynasty commented: "This person's loyalty and righteousness were innate, hence his calligraphy was vigorous and independent, not imitating previous styles. It was extraordinary and majestic, resembling his character." In Zhu Changwen's "Continuation of the Book Critique" of the Song Dynasty, his calligraphy was listed as a divine masterpiece. He also remarked: "The dots are like falling stones, the strokes are like summer clouds, the hooks are like bent gold, and the swords are like drawn bows. They are full of patterns and postures, both low and high. Since Xi and Xian, none have been as accomplished as you."
"The Draft of a Eulogy for My Nephew" (also known as "The Draft of a Eulogy for My Nephew" or "The Eulogy for My Nephew Jiming") is a handwritten draft of a eulogy written by Yan Zhenqing to commemorate his nephew Yan Jiming, who died fighting against rebels during the [An Zhong Rebellion]. It is also a representative work of his running script.
"The Draft of the Seating Dispute" (also known as "The Seating Discussion" or "Letter to Guo Shuya" or "Letter to Guo Ying Again"), an engraved scroll, in running and cursive script. It is said that the original manuscript had 7 scrolls with 64 lines and was once owned by Song An Shuwen. An had it engraved on stone, and the stone is now preserved in the Xi'an Stele Forest.