At the same time, the formation of Dong Qichang's calligraphy style is also closely related to his efforts in using pen, writing, composition and ink. Dong Qichang devoted his life to the exploration of traditional brushwork. After studying a large number of ancient calligraphy posts, his deepest experience is that the pen is "ethereal", and he thinks that only the pen is ethereal and harmonious, and the charm is born under the wrist; Only by "not making a real pen" can there be an ever-changing "no sag, no shrinkage, no harvest".
On the knot, Dong Shi pays attention to implication, compactness and strength;
In composition, inspired by Yang Ningshi's Jiuhua Tie and Immortal Living Method, he attaches great importance to the principle of alternating density and density, and increases the distance between words and lines to strengthen the visual contrast between black and white and reality, thus creating a simple and far-reaching artistic conception;
In using ink, he attaches great importance to "using ink must make it moist, not boring, especially avoid iridium fertilizer, which is a great evil." (For the above quotations, please refer to Essays on Painting Zen Rooms. )
In a word, Dong Qichang was a master of calligraphy in Iron Science, and his skill of copying traditional calligraphy was unparalleled at that time. From Zhong You and Erwang to Zhang Xu, Yan Zhenqing and Huai Su, from Yang Ningshi to "Song Sijia" and even Zhao Mengfu in the Yuan Dynasty, the calligraphers of the post-school represented by Erwang earnestly learn from each other's strong points and absorb the essence, forming their own calligraphy style, which is simple and elegant. Dong Qichang was one of the most outstanding calligraphers in Ming Dynasty. Although he failed to master the calligraphy of the Ming Dynasty, when it comes to his high rank and great achievements, no one can beat him. After entering the Qing Dynasty, Dong Qichang became particularly famous because he was highly praised by Emperor Kangxi, and it was the heyday of learning Dong in the world at that time.