Chapter 14 Chapter 3 Variety of Calligraphy Styles

Dazhuan is the general term for the relics of the bronze inscriptions of the Western Zhou Dynasty and the writings (including the writings of stone drums) of various states in the Eastern Zhou Dynasty.They were created separately, or ordered by the emperor, or privately created by the princes. There is no unified overall plan, so each has its own appearance, but because the shape and quality of the characters are fixed, there are small differences but the same.Because of this, it also shows the wisdom and wisdom of our ancestors to create such brilliant and colorful Dharma books that are interlinked in quality and rhyme.

In the previous chapter, "Mao Gong Ding Ming" was used as an example of bronze inscriptions, while "Da Yu Ding Ming" is earlier than "Mao Gong Ding Ming". .This work is close to the Shang Dynasty, so it is slightly influenced by the shape and meaning of oracle bones, but in general, the structure of the characters is rigorous and well-arranged, without any randomness; the strokes are deep and implicit, concise and vigorous, and Qiu Ball] moist and full.The whole article is filled with a humble and simple demeanor.This kind of charm is a model of bronze inscriptions in the Western Zhou Dynasty, and it also provides a direction for later calligraphers to pursue.

"Sanshi Panming" is an inscription on the time vessel of King Li of the Western Zhou Dynasty, unearthed in Fengxiang, Shaanxi in the early years of Qianlong (1736-1795 AD) in the Qing Dynasty.This plate is an important one handed down from generation to generation. Its calligraphy style is special, strange and simple; , but calm and generous, wonderful and interesting. "Shi Song Gui [gui Gui] Inscription" is an inscription on a utensil during the Western Zhou Dynasty.There are four pieces of this device with the same text content.In the late Western Zhou Dynasty, the seal script was fully mature, and the strokes and structures of ancient characters were on the road to standardization.The strokes have been as uniform and unified as possible; however, when the keynote is strong, it is mixed with softness from time to time;Although the knot is intended to be regular, it sometimes stands tall and slender, and sometimes it is horizontal and flat.The pattern formed is solemn, dignified and moderate, and the circle becomes more and more square.Therefore, it contains its profoundness in its timelessness, and its beauty is not lost in its solemnity.

"Stone Drum Characters" originated in the Eastern Zhou Dynasty, and it can be called the most standardized seal script, which should be the final result of the standardization of bronze inscriptions.Its characters are well-organized and complete, and a unified shape has been established in terms of pen, knot, pattern, and white. (figure 1) As far as the above list is concerned, it can be seen that they are all different, but they are all in the seal system. In particular, it can be seen that Qin seal must be their destination. There are many styles of calligraphy in big seal script, and each of them has its own preferences when viewing it, and those who are good at learning will always understand it.Although there are not many characters in each body, the feelings they give people are very different. This is the characteristic of calligraphy art, which has been fully expressed in the seal script.Since Dazhuan was re-emphasized by later generations, there have been a large number of people who appreciate and play with it, which has already eloquently proved its charm.