The Use of "Implied Lines" in Running Script

The concept of “implied lines” or yìxiàn (意线), is an important aspect of Running Script (行书) composition. These implied lines are the invisible connections between characters and strokes that create a sense of flow, rhythm, and visual harmony. The use of these implied lines elevates the art form to another level.

Implied lines are not physically drawn; they are inferred by the viewer based on the arrangement and flow of the written characters. They provide the connective tissue that joins the individual characters into a unified whole. It is through this use of space that the viewer sees the overall work.

The calligrapher uses a variety of techniques to create these implied lines including the spacing of the characters, the direction of strokes, and the overall visual balance of the composition. A skilled calligrapher will manipulate space and form to guide the eye across the artwork. The implied lines will lead the viewer on a guided path across the written page.

The use of implied lines helps to create a sense of dynamism and movement, guiding the eye and allowing the composition to flow. The eye of the viewer is directed throughout the artwork, allowing for a more dynamic experience of the visual elements. These implied lines help to pull the whole work together into a seamless whole.

Mastering the use of implied lines is essential for a calligrapher to create truly compelling and sophisticated pieces of art, allowing the composition to appear to have a flowing and organic quality. It is this mastery that separates the beginning student from the advanced practitioner. The use of implied lines is a mark of a skilled and experienced calligrapher.