1. Interpretation: In fact, it is the eight strokes of the word "Yong", which represent the general strokes in Chinese calligraphy, namely "side, Le, Nu, Qiao, Ce, Luo, Pei, Zhe" The eight strokes are explained more clearly in Zhu Zongyuan's book A Brief Introduction to Chinese Calligraphy.
2. Origin:
There are roughly three theories: the first is Zhang Xu’s theory, which is found in Mochibian compiled by Zhu Changwen of the Song Dynasty; the second is Zhiyong’s theory, which is found in the compilation of Chen Si of the Song Dynasty "Shu Yuan Jing Hua"; the third is said by Cai Yong and Wang Xizhi, which can be found in "Xue'an Eight Methods" written by Li Puguang of the Yuan Dynasty.
Many calligraphers in the later dynasties have been involved. For example, Liu Xizai of the Qing Dynasty's "Yi Gai? Shu Gai" said: "A calligrapher who can return his duty with every pen and does not dodge and take tricks is the ultimate achievement. The Eight Methods of Yongzi, It just requires people to be horizontal and vertical." Due to its huge influence, the world has extended the word "Eight Methods" as a synonym for calligraphy. Due to different teachers, there are many differences in explanations. However, the explanation in "A Brief Introduction to Chinese Calligraphy" written by Zhu Zongyuan, a recent scholar, is relatively simple and clear.
3. Exquisite interpretation:
The point is the side (like a bird flipping sideways)
The side means that the tilt is not correct, and the point should be tilted. , like a boulder standing sideways, dangerous and majestic. If the patient is lying down or standing upright, he will lose his momentum due to dementia. The dots of Yong character are closed with an exposed edge to correspond with the horizontal painting below.
Horizontal means reining in (like reining a horse)
Horizontal and upward, like a rider tightening the horse's reins, with the force directed inward through the crossbow (vertical). If the pen is dragged horizontally or tilted downwards when lying down, it will become tired and weak. Write against the front, go slowly and return quickly, and maintain the trend of "go against the front and go out flat, and you must close when you go forward". It is not advisable to slide along the front to avoid being light and dull.
Upright is a crossbow (Tongnu)
Nu means powerful. The vertical painting is straight inside and curved outside, like a bow and crossbow upright. Although the shape is curved, the quality contains infinite force. Therefore, the vertical painting should not be too straight. It must match the overall situation of the font. Only by seeing the straightness in the curve can we have the momentum to advance. Too straight is like a dead tree standing on the ground, although it is upright but weak.