Chen Hongshou (1768-1822), a native of Qiantang (now Hangzhou, Zhejiang), was a calligrapher, painter, and seal engraver. The courtesy name is Zigong, and his names are Mansheng, Mangong, Mangong, Gongshou, Yizu, Zhongyuxianli, Zhongyuxianke, Jiagutingzhang, Laoman, etc. He once served as the magistrate of Ganyu County, Liyang County Magistrate, and Jiangnan Coast Defense Tongzhi.
He is skilled in poetry, calligraphy and painting, and is good at making Yixing purple clay pots, which are called "Mansheng pots". Calligraphy is good at running, cursive, seal, and official styles. The running script is steep and elegant, and the branches are opened vertically and horizontally. It is unique in the Qing Dynasty. The seal engraving master followed the seal engraving techniques of the Qin and Han Dynasties, and also involved Ding Jing, Huang Yi and others. The strokes of the seal are square and folded, the knife is bold, natural and casual, the sharp edges are exposed, the ancient and clumsy unbridled, and the vast and thick. It is one of the "Eight Families of Xiling".
There are "Zhongyuxianguan Copy" and "Zhongyuxianguan Seal" published in the world, and he is the author of "Zhongyuxianguan Poetry Collection" and "Sang Lianliguan Collection". In the 21st year of Jiaqing, he wrote a preface and postscript to "Foerya" written by Zhou Chun.
Chen Hongshou has a wide range of artistic interests and is extremely accomplished. He is one of the famous "Eight Masters of Xiling". He was famous for his seal cutting in the Qin and Han Dynasties, his paintings were good at landscapes and flowers, and his calligraphy was most famous for his official script.
His calligraphy is best known for his official script and running script. His official script is clear, vigorous and free in structure. Interspersed with each other, it was an innovative style at the time.
He studied Han steles extensively, and was particularly good at absorbing nutrients from Han cliff carvings, forming a personal look full of metal and stone and unique structure in his brushwork. The strokes are round, vigorous and thin, like iron hooks painted on silver. The artistic conception is sparse and simple, majestic and sophisticated.
Compared with previous official scripts, Chen Hongshou's official script has "crazy" characteristics, which shows that he has the courage and talent to innovate. However, in terms of knotting and composition, his writing style still adheres to the ancient method. Center forward, strong enough to see through the back of the paper. ?