Inventory 20 calligraphy works in regular script suitable for beginners, each of which can be considered a classic work
Kaishu, as one of the five commonly used fonts in China, has been flourishing ever since its inception, giving rise to a large number of calligraphers and classic calligraphy masterpieces. Among the numerous calligraphers and calligraphy masterpieces, which calligraphers are suitable for beginners to learn from?
1. Zhong Yao's "Declaration Form"
Reason for being on the list: In terms of brushwork or structure, this work displays a relatively mature style and atmosphere of regular script, laying the foundation for future generations of Wang Xizhi and Wang Xianzhi's regular script, and is also an important symbol of the maturity of regular script. It can be said that studying this work has a better foundational role in learning regular script from other calligraphers in the future.
2. Wang Xizhi's "Huangting Jing"
Reason for being on the list: Firstly, as a representative work of Wang Xizhi's regular script, this work has a neat and rigorous structure, smooth and vivid charm, and is twice as effective for calligraphy learners to learn Wang Xizhi's other calligraphy styles with half the effort. Secondly, later calligraphers such as Yu Shinan, Ouyang Xun, Chu Suiliang, Sun Guoting, Zhao Ziang, Zhu Yunming, Wen Zhengming, Wang Chong, and others have repeatedly copied the Huangting Jing, which indirectly proves that it is worth learning. Thirdly, since ancient times, it has been said that "learning Huangting for the first time is just right." Previous calligraphers have already guided us on the way forward. Why don't we learn according to their guidance?
3. Wang Xizhi's "On Leyi"
Reason for being on the list: With exquisite brushstrokes and no ambiguity, it is one of the iconic calligraphy styles of mature regular script calligraphy. Zhiyong believed that this was the "number one official calligraphy", while Chu Suiliang praised it as "exquisitely crafted and well prepared". Emperor Taizong of Tang highly valued Wang Xizhi's two calligraphy works, one was the "Preface to the Orchid Pavilion" and the other was the "Treatise on Leyi", indicating the high status of this work. The ancients said, "If you take the method from the top, you will get it; if you take the method from the middle, you will get it from the bottom; if you take the method from the bottom, you will get nothing." How could such a high status of a Buddhist scripture not be learned?
4. Ouyang Xun's Inscription on Liquan in Jiucheng Palace
Reason for being on the list: Firstly, this work is the representative work of Ouyang Xun and also a representative work of "European style" calligraphy. Even if you don't study "European style", its reputation will definitely be as well-known as thunder. Secondly, this work has been highly praised since its inception, and later generations have referred to it as the "number one regular script in the world".
5. Ouyang Xun's Monument to Huadu Temple
Reason for being on the list: The famous calligrapher Weng Fanggang of the Qing Dynasty said, "If we talk about the style of Tang Dynasty calligraphy, then" Huadu "comes first," Liquan "comes second, and" Yugong "comes second. If we talk about pursuing Jin style calligraphy, then" Huadu "comes first," Yugong "comes second, and" Liquan "comes second." For those who study European style calligraphy, besides "Jiucheng Palace Liquan Inscription," this work should be the best calligraphy for learning "European style" regular script!
6. Ouyang Xun's "Yu Gong Gong Stele"
Reason for being on the list: Ouyang Xun's latest representative work, Le Qingwen said, "The Wenyu Gong Stele, which was the first true book, was the first one that scholars learned." Bi Longyun said, "When it comes to regular script, the first one should believe in the Yu Gong Gong Stele. Indeed, those who know the book are considered excellent, and those who do not know the book are also considered excellent, truly possessing the beauty of eight aspects." Ouyang Xun's three representative works on the list are all suitable for beginners. Although they are all suitable for beginners, I personally believe that the order of learning should be to first study the Yu Gong Stele, then study the Hua Du Temple Stele, and finally study the Li Quan Inscription in the Nine Cheng Palace.
7. Yan Zhenqing's "Duobao Pagoda Stele"
Reason for being on the list: Firstly, this game is simple and easy to learn, with a high error tolerance, not easily discouraged, and easy to reinforce interest. Secondly, some of the strokes in the "Duobao Pagoda Stele" have a "standardized" writing style, with exposed strokes and traceable strokes. Thirdly, this work is well preserved, which is beneficial for the writer to appreciate and learn.
8. Yan Zhenqing's "Yan Qinli Stele"
Reason for being on the list: Firstly, this work has a clear "Yan Ti" style, which greatly promotes the understanding and learning of "Yan Ti". Secondly, the strokes in this work are clear in thickness, which is beneficial for learning basic stroke techniques such as lifting and pressing. Thirdly, this work is the representative work of Yan Zhenqing in his later years. At this time, Yan Zhenqing had already reached the stage of "all books are old". Learning this work can provide a clearer insight into the intricacies of Yan Zhenqing's calligraphy.
9. Yu Shinan's "Stele of Confucius Temple"
Reason for being on the list: This work can be said to be the most diverse work of the Tang Dynasty's regular script. From then on, beginners can feel and learn the rich brushwork of regular script, which can be traced back to Wang Xizhi, Zhiyong and others, as well as transferred to Ouyang Xun, Chu Suiliang and others.
10. Chu Suiliang's Preface to the Holy Teachings of the Wild Goose Pagoda
Reason for being on the list: Among the calligraphy works of Tang Dynasty regular script, few people can achieve such beauty in calligraphy, and Chu Suiliang is also considered to be the most diverse Tang Dynasty regular script master in terms of brushwork. Through this work, one can get a glimpse of it. From now on, as an beginner, you can also learn rich brushwork techniques.
11. Zhong Shaojing's "Ling Fei Jing"
Reason for being on the list: This is a model of Tang Dynasty Xiaokai. Those who learn Tang Dynasty Xiaokai can start with this work. In addition, as a "writing style", this work is also quite beautiful and easy to attract people.
12. Liu Gongquan's "Mysterious Pagoda Stele"
Reason for being on the list: This marks a milestone in Liu Gongquan's calligraphy creation career, marking the complete maturity of "Liu style" calligraphy. It has always been regarded as an authentic model for beginners in calligraphy and has had a profound impact on future generations. By studying this work, one can appreciate the charm of "willow style" calligraphy.
13. Liu Gongquan's "Divine Strategy Army Stele"
Reason for being on the list: "The Divine Strategy Army Stele" is the greatest glory of Liu Gongquan's life, and his later works are unparalleled. Among the learners of "Liuti", besides "Xuanmi Pagoda Stele", there should be the most beginners from then on.
14. Zhao Ziang's "Danba Stele"
Reason for being on the list: The representative work of Zhao style calligraphy, known as the number one regular script of Zhao style. Due to the scarcity of Zhao Ziang's true regular script works, most of his regular script works are in running script, and the same goes for the Danba Stele. Therefore, starting from then on, there will be an intangible improvement in the study of running script.
15-16 Zhao Ziang's Records of Miaoyan Temple and Three Gates
Reason for listing: Same as above
17. Zhao Ziang's "Ji An Zhuan"
Reason for being on the list: Zhao Ziang's representative work of Xiaokai, known as the masterpiece of Xiaokai. I personally believe that this work is more suitable for beginners than the Spiritual Flying Sutra.
18. Wen Zhengming's "Qin Fu"
Reason for being on the list: Wen Zhengming is a representative work of Xiaokai. Although there are many works by Wen Zhengming, the position of "Ten Records of Caotang" in Xiaokai is higher than that of "Qin Fu". However, learning from Wen Zhengming's regular script, I personally believe that this work is the most suitable.
19. Wang Chong's "Journey to Baoshan Collection"
Reason for being on the list: Wang Chong's representative work in Xiaokai. Those who learn Wang Chong's calligraphy may not be aware of this work. It is ancient, simple, and elegant, with a Wei and Jin style, which is rare among calligraphers and calligraphy works in the Ming Dynasty. Learning this work is beneficial for turning to learning the "Two Kings" Xiaokai.
20. Wang Xianzhi's "Ode to the Goddess of Luo with Thirteen Elements"
Reason for being on the list: Wang Xianzhi's representative work in regular script. This work changed the style of regular script since Zhong Yao and Wang Xizhi, making regular script not only simple and elegant, but also refreshing, healthy, elegant and elegant, which can be said to have created a new style of regular script calligraphy at that time. By studying this work, one can not only glimpse Wang Xianzhi's brushwork, but also comprehend the calligraphy characteristics of famous calligraphers such as Chu Suiliang, Yu Shinan, and Zhiyong.