Wu Changshuo's Copying of Stele Inscriptions and His Calligraphic Techniques

Author: Xu Mei
Publisher:
Publish Date: 1998-10-01
Features: The flourishing of Qing Dynasty stele calligraphy brought about a trend of imitating ancient styles, elevating stele calligraphy to the status of orthodox calligraphy. During this period, Shigushu (Seal Script on Stone Drums) once again became a popular script style. Great calligraphers such as Yang Yishun, Wu Dachen, Wu Changshuo, and Wang Fuan all benefited from it. Mr. Wu Changshuo dedicated his entire life to studying and practicing Shigushu as a model, yet his copying was not confined to established methods. Based on an in-depth study of Shigushu's artistry, he emphasized not only its form but also its spirit, creating a unique style and forging new ideas. In terms of brushwork, he broke the millennia-old norms of Seal Script, which concealed the brush tip and maintained uniform thickness, using varying sizes and unpredictable brush angles to express rich linear textures. In terms of structure, he replaced even, balanced characters with techniques of irregular spacing and interplay of density and openness, pioneering a new era for Seal Script. His works are profoundly rich in meaning, guiding us to a noble and exquisite realm. I often think that as an artistic master, apart from extraordinary courage, his success also lies in innovating while inheriting tradition, drawing from diverse sources, learning and transforming, and ultimately embodying the essence of change. Mr. Wu Changshuo perfectly embodied this principle and became a great master of calligraphy throughout history. It can be said that Mr. Wu Changshuo, with his unique insight and diligent cultivation, left us invaluable artistic treasures. As for us, we must also approach Mr. Wu Changshuo's technique of copying Shigushu with unique sensitivity, conduct in-depth research, promote and develop it, and strive to reach a new realm. However, to my knowledge, systematic research on Mr. Wu Changshuo's technique of copying Shigushu remains scarce to this day.