Liu Gongquan: Elegance and Refinement in Tang Kaishu

Liu Gongquan (柳公權), a renowned calligrapher of the late Tang Dynasty, is celebrated for his elegant and refined approach to Kaishu. His characters exhibit a distinct sense of poise, balance, and subtlety, showcasing his mastery of brush control and his profound understanding of character composition. He was a major influence on the generations of artists who followed him.

Liu Gongquan's calligraphy is characterized by its graceful and refined lines. His strokes are often thinner and more delicate than those of Yan Zhenqing, creating an aesthetic that is both elegant and understated. The elegance of the strokes made his work very distinctive.

Liu Gongquan's characters are carefully composed, with a meticulous attention to spacing and proportion. He had an exceptional ability to balance each stroke with the others, creating a harmonious whole. His understanding of balance made his work very appealing.

One of Liu Gongquan’s most well-known works is the “Mysterious Pagoda Stele,” which is admired for its impeccable balance and its refined style. This stele is an excellent example of Liu Gongquan's masterful control over the brush and his profound understanding of character composition. This work continues to be studied by calligraphers.

Liu Gongquan’s contributions to Kaishu, though less overtly dramatic than those of Yan Zhenqing, were just as influential. His meticulous approach helped further refine the standards of formal Regular Script, and his works continue to inspire. His focus on refinement helped to further the standards for the script.