Regular script, also known as Zhenshu and Zhengshu, took shape in the Han Dynasty, became popular in the Wei and Jin Dynasties, and was completed in the Sui and Tang Dynasties.
(Regular script should include two calligraphy styles: "Wei Bei" and "Tang Kai".)
The characteristics of regular script can be roughly divided into the following aspects:
1. Pointillism is independent.
The stipples in regular script are independent of each other. Each dot has a beginning and an end. There is no hook or thread between the end of the previous stroke and the beginning of the next stroke, and they are not connected with each other.
(This is not to say that there is no connection between regular script and stipple painting. There is a connection, but it is not exposed but implicit.)
2. Use the pen rigorously.
Regular script is not like cursive script, which is as arbitrary and indulgent as cursive script. The length and thickness of stipples do not change much.
The structure is balanced and well-proportioned, and the brushwork is extremely rigorous.
Therefore, sometimes it is so harsh that one minute too long is too long, one minute too short is too short, one centimeter wider is too fat, and one centimeter too narrow is too thin.
3. The writing is slow.
It is precisely because regular script is rigorous in writing that its writing is slow. If the writing is quick, it cannot be complete and thorough.
4. There are more squares than circles.
Regular script is dignified and neat, unlike cursive script, which is free and flowing, so square pens are often used at turning points to express its depth and solemnity.
5. The fluctuations are small.
Although there is a contrast in the weight of each stroke from beginning to end in regular script, and there is also a contrast in the weight between strokes, this contrast is far less intense than in cursive script. This is determined by the harmony and consistency of regular script stipples and structure.
6. The ink color is unified.
Jiang Kui said in "Xu Shu Pu": "When writing regular script, the ink should be dry, but not too dry. When running cursive, dryness and moisturizing are mixed together, moistening is used to obtain beauty, and dryness is used to obtain danger. The ink is dense. The pen will be stagnant, and the pen will be dry if it is dry, which is something you must not know."
In other words, when writing regular script, the ink should not be too light, otherwise the words will have no spirit;
But it cannot be done. If it is too thick, otherwise the stroke will be blocked and the ink will not be filled smoothly, and the words will appear blocked and lose their spirit.
The ink should not be too wet, otherwise the handwriting will appear puffy and swollen;
It should not be too dry, otherwise the handwriting will become dry and fleshless.
Therefore, the ink used when writing regular script should be moist but not wet, dry but not dry, and the ink color should be uniform.