Key Characteristics of Running Script: Flow and Connection

Running Script (Xingshu) is characterized by its fluidity, connectivity, and expressiveness. These key characteristics set it apart from more structured scripts like Kaishu and give it its unique artistic charm. Understanding these principles is essential for appreciating and practicing Xingshu.

One of the defining features of Xingshu is its flowing lines. The brush moves more freely across the paper, resulting in strokes that are more dynamic and less rigid than in Kaishu. The strokes appear to flow from one to the next, almost as if the artist is writing one continuous line, even though the strokes are still often separate.

Unlike the distinct and individual strokes of Kaishu, Xingshu often connects strokes within a character or between adjacent characters. These connections can be partial or full, and they create a sense of movement and unity within the writing. These linkages are what give the script its flowing characteristics.

Xingshu is also known for its expressive potential. Calligraphers can vary the speed, pressure, and angle of their strokes, allowing for personal expression. The style is very much a reflection of the personality of the artist who created the piece.

The balance of legibility and expressiveness is another key aspect. While Xingshu is more fluid and dynamic than Kaishu, it is still designed to be reasonably legible. It finds a balance between artistic license and the practical demands of writing.