Classification of regular script types
Regular script has undergone great changes in form and style in the historical development of more than 1000 years. Generally speaking, there are four types: simple type, conventional type, intentional type and mature type.
Simple type. Refers to the regular script that has just been born out of eight points, with convergent wave plates and neatly arranged shapes, similar to Gu Li. Strictly speaking, this kind of regular script should be called "official script", which is also called "official script" by later generations. Primitive regular script was mainly used in Wei, Jin, Southern and Northern Dynasties, including Xiao Zhuan by Zhong You and Wang Xizhi, and official script in the Southern Dynasty. The official script in the North was called "Northern Monument" or "Weibei". Although bamboo slips are the product of the flat creation stage, their techniques and styles have developed and changed to a considerable extent in the course of hundreds of years of development. In particular, its simple and naive attitude and interest have high aesthetic value, which is hard to reach even the mature regular script of later generations.
Types of laws and regulations. Regular script developed to the Tang Dynasty, and gradually moved towards complete forms, strict statutes, rich stippling forms and diverse structures. The study of regular script stippling and characters in calligraphy has gradually reached the level of technical details. The regular script of the Tang Dynasty can become a model for later generations, so it is called the statute style.
Intentional type. Song dynasty began to appear in large numbers, represented by Su Shi and Huang Tingjian's regular script. Its characteristics are: paying attention to the spirit and overall effect of the wind, regardless of the gains and losses of painting. Seek change in rules and regulations, pursue fresh and natural interests and express personal feelings.
Mature type. Taking Zhao Meng's Cheek in Yuan Dynasty as the representative, the method and meaning of regular script are combined, which directly inherits the spirit of Wang Xizhi's elegant calligraphy and creates a more round and smooth regular script. This kind of regular script has a great influence on later generations. It absorbs the advantages of regular script in the past, combines the artistry and practicality of regular script better, and makes it more suitable for the tastes of China literati.
The above four regular script have their own merits. Academic circles once held their own opinions and debated endlessly. Some people don't even recognize the status of regular script and round hot regular script, and think that regular script has only two systems: Wei Kai and Tang Kai. This understanding is obviously one-sided. We should not only admit the existence of Italian and mature regular script, but also be fair to say that these four types have their own advantages and disadvantages in art and it is difficult to distinguish them.