Ou style "Nine Palace" tracing red

Author: Cheng Tonggen
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2002-08-01
Features: Copying is an essential stage for beginners in calligraphy, serving as an important way to learn and inherit the art of calligraphy, as well as one of the main methods to master it. Previous generations primarily used thin paper placed over calligraphy scrolls, making it difficult to truly grasp the principles of brushwork and structure. To overcome these limitations, to grasp the structure of characters, master writing techniques, and improve calligraphic skills, we have carefully designed and compiled this copying textbook. This textbook includes four types of regular script: Yan, Liu, Ou, and Zhao, each selecting representative works such as Qinli Beibei, Xuanmifta, Jucheng Guan, and Danhaba Beibei for practice. Each script type is divided into three volumes—upper, middle, and lower—totaling twelve volumes.
The upper volume focuses on stroke practice. Before starting, readers can carefully read the text explanations, study the stroke diagrams, and analyze the characteristics of different strokes to lay a solid foundation for further learning. The middle volume is for practice on radicals, briefly explaining the conventional writing methods of radicals, allowing learners to understand their positions in words and their relationships with other parts. The lower volume is for overall structure practice, where, based on the characteristics of different character types, learners should focus on the overall layout and then apply different techniques to the details. The three volumes are organically connected and mutually supportive, preparing learners to transition from copying to studying by sight.
Each character is presented four times: the first is the original model from the scroll, which learners should carefully appreciate for its form, spirit, and artistic charm, repeatedly contemplating the principles of brushwork. Each character needs to be copied three times, all using the double-hook method to outline the characters, avoiding the shortcomings of the traditional method of placing thin paper over the scroll, which makes it difficult to see the outlines and risks misalignment. In the first copying, arrows are used within the double-hook frames to indicate the order and techniques of brushwork, making it easier for beginners to get started. For the second and third copies, no arrows are used, requiring learners to recall the order and techniques of brushwork. Alternatively, learners can first copy the second and third characters, referring to the previously copied characters with arrows for guidance.
The four styles of Yan, Liu, Ou, and Zhao calligraphy have long been regarded as models for learners. Yan style is upright and robust, Liu style is vigorous and elegant, Ou style is daring and refined, and Zhao style is round and graceful. Through copying, by comparing the different characteristics of brushwork and structure in these four styles, learners will improve their appreciation and artistic skills.