Zhang Xu’s masterpiece of cursive script

Zhang Xu's representative works in cursive script include: "Four Posts on Ancient Poems", "Preface to the Records of Langguan Shi of Shangshu Province", "Heart Sutra in Cursive Script", "Tie on Belly Pain" and "Tie on Self-talk".

1. "Four Notes on Ancient Poems": Zhang Xu's representative work in cursive script. Paper, ink, length 28.8 cm, width 192.3 cm, 40 lines, 188 words. This work inherits the essence of the brushwork of the Wei and Jin Dynasties, with free alternation of side strokes and center strokes, flexible and changeable; the calligraphy is shaped according to the situation, ancient and broad; the composition is both natural and dense, well-proportioned, and elegant.

The entire hand scroll strictly adheres to the traditional writing method and is in the same vein as the cursive script of the Wei and Jin Dynasties. It is a typical example of genius and natural beauty, and can be called the pinnacle of cursive script in the prosperous period of the Tang Dynasty. Now collected in Liaoning Museum.

2. "Preface to the Records of Langguan Shi of Shangshu Province": Zhang Xu's only authentic regular script that has been handed down from generation to generation. Everyone knows that Zhang Xu is a famous cursive calligrapher, but few know that Zhang Xu is actually good at regular script, otherwise Cui Miao, Yan Zhenqing, Xu Hao, Wu Tong and many other calligraphers would not have become his disciples.

Zhang Xu's regular script has the style of Chu Suiliang and Yu Shinan, which is a typical Tang regular script style. You can get a glimpse of it from this work. As Zhang Xu's only authentic regular script that has been handed down from generation to generation, this work has been highly praised by calligraphers of all ages.

3. "Heart Sutra in Cursive Script": Zhang Xu's pinnacle work, known as the "model of cursive calligraphy". The rhythm of this work accelerates under the influence of exciting emotions, like a golden snake dancing wildly, or like a tiger sitting on a dragon's coil, showing the momentum of a thousand-mile surge. The prosperity of the Tang Dynasty can be seen from this work. Unfortunately, after 1914, the whereabouts of this work are unknown.

4. "Belly Pain Calligraphy": Zhang Xu's masterpiece of cursive calligraphy, a famous calligraphy calligraphy calligraphy calligraphy calligraphy calligraphy calligraphy that shocked the calligraphy and archaeological circles. This work is written with eloquence and consistency. There are continuous ups and downs between words, smart and natural, like lightning and thunder, flying dragons and snakes, and high spirits.

The changes in the thickness and weight of the brush seem to be divinely assisted, making the whole work vivid and vivid, creating the momentum of "the divine Qiu emerges from the sky, and the summer clouds emerge from the Songhua", which is admirable. Although it is not Zhang Xu's original work, it can still be called a superior cursive calligraphy work.

5. "Self-talk": Zhang Xu's masterpiece in cursive script. In this work, the gods rise up into the sky, and the summer clouds emerge from Xiu. The movements and movements are so strange that it is impossible to predict them. With his vigorous and unrestrained spirit, vertical and horizontal strokes and unrestrained romantic posture, Zhang Xu became the undisputed master of calligraphy in the Tang Dynasty. Emperor Wenzong of the Tang Dynasty called Zhang Xu's calligraphy, Li Bai's poetry and Pei Min's sword dance the "National Dynasty". Three unique things”.