Chu Suiliang Meng

Author: Qian Kaiwen
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2003-01-01
Features: "The Stele of Master Meng of the Zhide Temple," full title "The Stele of Master Meng of the Zhide Temple in the Capital of Tang": written in regular script, blending the styles of Ou and Yu. It is powerful and elegant like Yu, dignified like Ou. It combines the elegant and spacious structure of Yu Shennan's calligraphy with the robust and dynamic brushwork of Ouyang Xun's calligraphy. The characters are more square and elegant, with rich variations in (tun chu fu qi - refers to the changes in brush pressure and speed, creating a dynamic rhythm in calligraphy). Some characters also have the brushwork of clerical script, appearing ancient, solemn, and profound. It is a representative work of Chu Shi's calligraphy in middle age. It was erected in the 16th year of the Zhenguan era of the Tang Dynasty (642 AD). "The Stele of Master Meng" is a rubbing, with ink traces carved into stone. After engraving, the original's variations in ink density and moisture have disappeared, leaving only a flat black-and-white image on the rubbing. Due to the passage of time and weathering, the stele is not only damaged and unclear but also the interlacing between strokes and the relationship of parts like radicals in the characters have become blurred, making them appear stiff and lifeless. However, like a (yan guo liu ying - refers to the idea that even when a (wild goose) flies by, it leaves a trace, meaning that even in worn-out calligraphy, there are still subtle clues to be found), if we observe carefully and study the rubbing repeatedly, we can certainly find the differences and connections between the original and the engraved version. Subsequently, by summarizing and generalizing, we can compensate for the missing and blurred parts in the engraved stele when practicing, allowing the strokes to flow with each other and restoring the engraved version to resemble the original ink traces.