Selection of Su Shi's calligraphy - Selections of calligraphy by famous masters through the ages (14)

Author: Sun Baowen
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2007-01-01
Features: Su Shi (1037-1101 AD), styled Zizhan, styled Dongpo Jushi, was a native of Meishan (now part of Sichuan Province). He and his father Su Xun, as well as his younger brother Su Zhe, were renowned for their literary and poetic achievements and are collectively known as the "Three Su." His calligraphy drew nourishment from the styles of the "Two Wangs," Yan Zhenqing, Liu Gongquan, Chu Suiliang, Xu Hao, Li Beibei, and Yang Ningshi, striving for innovation while inheriting tradition. When discussing his calligraphic art, he said, "My calligraphy is created with intent, fundamentally without method; the strokes are written freely, yet endlessly sought after." He emphasized the expression of "intention," infusing emotion into the seemingly effortless strokes. Based on a profound understanding of calligraphy, he employed traditional techniques to create calligraphic art, enriching and developing these techniques rather than merely imitating the ancients. In his early years, Su Shi studied the works of the "Two Wangs"; in middle age, he focused on Yan Zhenqing and Yang Ningshi; and in his later years, he turned to Li Beibei, while also extensively exploring the works of other calligraphers from the Jin and Tang dynasties, forming a style that was profound and robust. His calligraphy often features slanted brushstrokes and slightly wide, flat structures. This was also related to his grip on the brush, which was known as the "side-lying brush" (cesuo bizi), where the brush rested sideways between his thumb and index finger, similar to how one holds a modern fountain pen. As a result, his characters leaned to the right and appeared wide and thick. This book is one volume in the "Selection of Master Calligraphers' Ink Traces," featuring seventeen ink works by Su Shi, such as the "Ink Traces of Li Taibai's Immortal Poem," "Ink Traces of Poems in Response to Biancairun," "Ink Traces of Poem Inscription for Chen Gong of the Ministry of Personnel," and "Ink Traces of New Year Celebration," among others, to delight calligraphy enthusiasts.