Introduction
The Tang Dynasty (618–907 AD) is renowned as a golden age of Chinese calligraphy, with many calligraphers vying for prominence during this period. Among them, the “Four Great Calligraphers of the Tang Dynasty” made significant contributions to the art form. These luminaries include the Three Great Calligraphers of Early Tang: Ouyang Xun (欧陽詢), Yu Shinan (虞世南), and Chu Suiliang (褚遂良), as well as Yan Zhenqing (顔真卿) from the mid-Tang period. This article delves into their achievements and the distinctive features of their calligraphic styles.
Picture: Big Wild Goose Pagoda, Ci’en Temple, Xi’an, Shaanxi Province, China
(*The stone monument of the Preface to the Holy Teachings of the Wild Goose Pagoda is preserved here.)
The Establishment of the Tang Dynasty and Emperor Taizong’s Support for Calligraphy
The Tang Dynasty was established in 618 AD by Li Yuan (李淵), who overthrew the Sui Dynasty. By the mid-7th century, it had grown into the largest empire in the world, receiving tribute from neighboring states. The second emperor, Taizong (Li Shimin) (太宗 (李世民)), established a prosperous reign known as the “Reign of Zhenguan” and developed Chang’an (modern Xi’an) into an international hub of prosperity. A patron of calligraphy, Taizong collected works of Wang Xizhi (王羲之) and founded the Hongwen Academy to teach calligraphy to high-ranking officials and aristocratic youth. This environment fostered the development of calligraphy, with Ouyang Xun (欧陽詢), Yu Shinan (虞世南), and Chu Suiliang(褚遂良) playing crucial roles.
Ouyang Xun 欧陽詢 (557–641 AD)
Life and Background
Ouyang Xun was a prominent calligrapher in the early Tang period and played a key role in the development of regular script. Despite growing up in poverty, he possessed a passion for learning and talent that led him to serve as a high official under the Sui Dynasty and later be appointed as a scholar by Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty.
Calligraphic Style and Notable Works
Ouyang Xun’s calligraphy is characterized by its precise and refined regular script. His notable work, the “Inscription of the Sweet Spring of the Jiucheng Palace” (九成宮醴泉銘), was inscribed on a stele to celebrate the discovery of a sweet spring at Jiucheng Palace. This inscription is praised as the “Pinnacle of Regular Script” in later evaluations. Known as “Ouyang Style” (欧法), his calligraphy is admired for its accuracy and elegance, setting a standard for many calligraphers.
Picture: Copy of “Inscription of the Sweet Spring of the Jiucheng Palace” (九成宮醴泉銘)
Yu Shinan 虞世南 (558–638 AD)
Life and Background
Yu Shinan was a highly regarded calligrapher who earned the trust of Emperor Taizong. He studied calligraphy from Zhiyong, the seventh-generation descendant of Wang Xizhi. Yu Shinan is known for his role in recording the rebuilding of the Confucian Temple in Chang’an, a task assigned by Emperor Taizong. After his death, he was buried in the mausoleum of Taizong.
Picture: “Stele of the Confucian Temple” (孔子廟堂碑) at the Shaanxi Provincial Museum in Xi’an, China
Calligraphic Style and Notable Works
Yu Shinan’s calligraphy is known for its elegance and strength, referred to as “Yu Style” (虞法). His masterpiece, the “Stele of the Confucian Temple” (孔子廟堂碑), commemorates the reconstruction of the Confucian Temple in Chang’an and reflects his unique grace and poise. His style is distinguished from Ouyang Xun’s by its distinct refinement and elegance.
Picture: “Stele of the Confucian Temple” (孔子廟堂碑) at the Shaanxi Provincial Museum in Xi’an, China
Chu Suiliang 褚遂良 (596–658 AD)
Life and Background
Chu Suiliang was a prominent calligrapher who enjoyed favor under Taizong but faced setbacks during the reign of Emperor Gaozong. Eventually, he was sent to Vietnam, where he spent his remaining years. Chu Suiliang was also active as a scholar, gaining Taizong’s trust and establishing his position in the world of calligraphy.
Calligraphic Style and Notable Works
Chu Suiliang’s calligraphy is known as “Chu Style” (褚法), with a particular mastery of regular script. His notable works include the “Stele of Master Meng” (孟法師碑), which honors the virtues of the Taoist master Meng, who passed away at the age of 97. Although the original stone has been lost, the surviving rubbings provide insight into his later style. Another important work is the “Yanta Shengjiao Preface” (雁塔聖教序), which praises the translation of Buddhist scriptures by Xuanzang, showcasing Chu Suiliang’s powerful yet graceful regular script.
Picture: Big Wild Goose Pagoda, Ci’en Temple, Xi’an, Shaanxi Province, China
(*The stone monument of the Preface to the Holy Teachings of the Wild Goose Pagoda is preserved here.)
Yan Zhenqing 顔真卿 (709–785 AD)
Life and Background
Yan Zhenqing was a mid-Tang calligrapher known for his unwavering loyalty and a life marked by frequent exiles. During the An Lushan Rebellion, he rallied troops and fought bravely but faced envy from powerful figures, leading to his eventual death while on a mission to suppress the rebellion.
Picture: “Stele of the Yan Family Ancestral Temple” (顔氏家廟碑) at the Shaanxi Provincial Museum in Xi’an, China
Calligraphic Style and Notable Works
Yan Zhenqing’s calligraphy, known as “Yan Style” (顔法), is characterized by its robust and dignified regular script. His notable works include the “Draft of the Eulogy for My Nephew” (祭姪稿), a draft eulogy written for his nephew, and the “Draft of the Protest Against Seating Arrangements” (争坐位稿), a protest letter regarding seating order. His calligraphy is noted for its strength and versatility. The “Stele of the Yan Family Ancestral Temple” (顔氏家廟碑) is another significant work that records the history of the Yan family in Yan Zhenqing’s bold and powerful regular script.
Picture: “Stele of the Yan Family Ancestral Temple” (顔氏家廟碑) at the Shaanxi Provincial Museum in Xi’an, China
Conclusion
The “Four Great Calligraphers of the Tang Dynasty” each contributed uniquely to the development of calligraphy, leaving a lasting impact on the art form. Their works represent the pinnacle of Tang calligraphy and continue to be highly regarded today. Understanding their achievements and learning about their styles provides valuable insight into the profound world of calligraphy.
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