Album of Six Calligraphers, Album Leaves
Huang Shen
Qing Dynasty
- MEDIUM:Ink on silk
- FORMATS:Album of 7 leaves
- DIMENSIONS:Height 12 cm; Width 10.5 cm
Introduction
This album was created by Huang Shen, Jin Nong, Zheng Xie, Shi Zhenlin, Zhu Hui, and Yang Fa to celebrate the 40th birthday of their mutual friend, Mr. Kentang. Huang Shen’s cursive script is layered and dynamic. Strokes may be separate, but the energy flows seamlessly, achieving a continuous rhythm. Jin Nong innovated the “scripture-style regular script,” which resembles modern artistic lettering and has had a profound influence on later generations. Zheng Xie’s “Six-and-a-Half Script” integrates clerical script techniques into running-cursive script. Shi Zhenlin, a Qing-Qianlong-era jinshi, wrote in an open and balanced clerical script, exuding elegance. Zhu Hui’s regular script is square and well-proportioned, with a rhythm of tension and release. Yang Fa’s running script frequently employs curved and trembling strokes, incorporating elements of seal and clerical scripts, giving his writing a strong epigraphic quality.
The album was later collected by modern calligrapher Li Yimang and painting expert Xu Pingyu, and it includes a painting titled “Kentang’s Little Retreat” by the renowned painter Chen Peiqiu.
