Ouyang Xun, a master of Chinese regular script calligraphy, was known as "Ou Yu" together with Yu Shinan. Later generations also called him the four masters of regular script together with Yan Zhenqing, Liu Gongquan, and Zhao Mengfu. His calligraphy was unique in the ordinary, integrating elegance and majesty. In one body, it is called "European body".
Ouyang Xun's calligraphy is the first to learn the "two kings", especially in imitating the dangerous style of Wang Xizhi's calligraphy, which is even better than that of Ouyang Xun. The European body is as steep as a towering mountain, but it is not awe-inspiring. On the contrary, the European body is dignified and beautiful, with meticulous stippling, and the ability to achieve a perfect unity of peace, stability and steepness. This is the most praised thing about the European body.
"Jiucheng Palace Liquan Ming" original large high-definition rice paper reproduction details real shot
Ouyang Xun's most famous work is nothing more than his inscription on the stele "Jiucheng Palace Liquan Inscription". This inscription is meticulous in writing, strong and precise. It is the culmination of Ouyang Xun's regular script and has been hailed as "the best regular script in the world" by later generations. Or "the best formal script in the world", it enjoys the reputation of "the most regular script" and is regarded as a model of "European style" by calligraphers of all ages.
"Jiucheng Palace Liquan Inscription" original large high-definition rice paper reproduction, size: 786*31cm
"Jiucheng Palace Liquan Ming" was written by Ouyang Xun in his later years. His calligraphy skills were mature and natural, and he had reached a state of proficiency. When looking at the momentum of the calligraphy, it is evenly spaced on all four sides and all eight sides are ready. It is thin, strong and graceful, thin, hard, beautiful, and gentle. When it is calm, it is like the anger of the wind and waves, and when it is dangerous, it is like the gentleness of a clear spring. However, unlike "Huangfu" Compared with "The Birthday Monument", "Jiucheng Palace Liquan Ming" has a plump and rich charm. The so-called "four taels can move a thousand catties" is true!
"Jiucheng Palace Liquan Ming" original large high-definition rice paper reproduction details real shot
The horizontal lines of "Jiucheng Palace Liquan Ming" are neatly arranged and slightly upturned, the vertical pens are straight and strong, and the vertical hooks retain the style of official script. The structure gives people a sense of stability and uprightness, and then the upward curvature of the horizontal strokes and the knotting of the characters appear steep and slanted. It can be said that stability contains danger, stability is sought in danger, and victory is found in stability.
"Jiucheng Palace Liquan Ming" original large high-definition rice paper reproduction details real shot
In terms of vertical paintings, the brush body is extended and the structure is rectangular. The corresponding vertical paintings on the left and right are concave. The characters are upright and straight, like a majestic general. However, their wind and charm are also majestic and polished, well-proportioned and slender. , slim and elegant. It can be said that the virility of men and the softness of women are integrated into one, which is the most fascinating thing about European calligraphy.
"Jiucheng Palace Liquan Ming" original large high-definition rice paper reproduction details real shot
When Zhao Mengfu of the Yuan Dynasty commented on Ouyang Xun, he once said: "Qinghe, Xiujian, and others are the same person in ancient and modern times." Zhan Jingfeng of the Ming Dynasty praised "Jiucheng Palace Liquan Ming": "European calligraphy is cold and steep, but the beauty is that it is thin, strong and graceful. Today's students of European calligraphy are straight and hard. "Jiucheng Palace Liquan Ming" is a calligraphy that Ouyang Shui is even more proud of.
Generally speaking, Ouyang Xun's calligraphy was influenced by the "Two Kings". It is elegant and simple, with all the turns round. However, its strong and vigorous style was influenced by the calligraphy style of Wei stele at that time. It is rich and plump without losing its refreshing and noble style. "Jiucheng Palace Liquan Inscription" is the pinnacle work of Ouyang Xun in his later years. From being steeped in the romantic charm of the "Two Kings" to the majestic lines of the Wei stele, it finally presents the unique beauty of his own "European style".
"Jiucheng Palace Liquan Ming" original large high-definition rice paper reproduction details real shot
So how should someone who is new to learning "European style" copy it? Of course, we should start copying from "Jiucheng Palace Liquan Ming". However, when copying, we should pay attention to the problems of improper writing, excessive stability, lack of vitality, lack of concentration and lack of strength. For example, Ouyang Xun's vertical hook is straight. Can withstand great force. But what people have learned today is curved and cannot bear force.
Everyone knows that European style is easy to learn and difficult to master. For beginners, it is easy to make the mistake of "being careful and not letting the air out". The more you have to learn it to be compact and steep, the more you learn, the less relaxed you will be, and the more you learn, the more rigid you will be. If those who study Ou Kai cannot properly understand the subtleties of this aspect of "Jiucheng Palace", I am afraid that most of them will go astray.
