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"Cold Food Observance," or Han Shi Tie, by Su Shi (苏轼), is a celebrated example of Running Script (xingshu) from the Song Dynasty. It's not just a simple piece of calligraphy; it is an emotional outpouring that was created in a period of difficulty and exile for Su Shi. The work captures a range of emotions, including grief, frustration, and a longing for home. Its masterful use of brushstrokes and its profound emotional depth have made it one of the most cherished works in the history of Chinese calligraphy. The calligraphy of Han Shi Tie is marked by its expressive strokes and its varied rhythm. The lines are fluid and dynamic, with thick and thin strokes adding to the visual interest of the piece. Su Shi's use of xingshu script blends spontaneity with a sense of underlying structure. The strokes are never uniform or predictable; they are fluid and full of life, reflecting the artist’s state of mind and emotion. The composition of Han Shi Tie is not strictly linear, but rather it has a more organic and flowing feel. The characters are of varying sizes and shapes, and the spacing between the lines is not always consistent. This irregularity contributes to the overall impression of spontaneity and emotional authenticity. The way the lines move and curve on the page is truly unique and adds to the aesthetic of the piece. The emotional power of Han Shi Tie is evident in the way the brushstrokes convey a sense of unrest and longing. The lines sometimes appear hesitant, and at other times they’re bold and assertive. The changes in the ink density and the variation in speed show the wide range of feeling Su Shi was experiencing when creating the calligraphy. The work is a testament to the ability of calligraphy to communicate deep personal feelings. "Cold Food Observance" is more than just a beautiful work of calligraphy; it's a window into the soul of a great artist. The calligraphy reflects Su Shi’s inner state, and it shows how his personal struggles were expressed through his art. It’s a timeless work that continues to move and inspire viewers with its depth of feeling and its mastery of the calligraphic medium. |
Running script, xingshu, is often described as the perfect balance between structure and freedom. This essay will explore this apparent paradox by analyzing how xingshu utilizes a foundational framework to give direction to its free-flowing forms. The essay will begin by defining the subtle structural elements borrowed from regular script (kaishu) which serve as the anchor of each character. Though simplified and connected, the fundamental architecture of the characters is still discernible, providing a crucial element of legibility. This allows the script to retain an underlying sense of order while allowing for expressive flexibility.
This article discusses the importance of water in Running Script calligraphy, highlighting how it influences ink density, stroke texture, and the overall appearance of the artwork, as well as how the type of paper influences the process.
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