According to public information, there is no relevant information about who Liu Xizai described as "thin and hard" in Qing Dynasty. The following information is for your reference.
Liu Xizai (18 13 ~ 1887) was a writer in Qing dynasty. Bo Jian, Rong Zhai, Ya Masako, from Xinghua, Jiangsu. In the 24th year of Daoguang (1844), he was a scholar, from Zuo Chunfang to Zuo Zhongyun, studying politics in Guangdong. He devoted his life to speaking and writing.
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Xi zai is proficient in philology, epigraphy, calligraphy, ancient poetry and so on. His academic attainments are quite high, and his research scope is extensive, such as Confucian classics, philology, phonology, calligraphy, painting, catalogue epigraphy and so on.
Liu Xizai is known as the "Master of Calligraphy" for his profound accomplishments in calligraphy. Good script, line, cursive script, regular script with Yan Zhenqing as the Sect, taking the strengths of various families; The cursive script is based on the two kings and adopts the strengths of Mi Fei and Huang Tingjian. Li Shu mostly used inscriptions by Chen Shi and Li Qi. Seal script mainly studies Shi Guwen.
His calligraphy is unique and unique. His calligraphy works are characterized by extraordinary brushwork, extraordinary charm, elegant style and extraordinary interest, giving people a sense of elegance and agility.
Calligraphy theory in Liu Xizai is also very mature. He believes that calligraphy should pay attention to the training of brushwork, brushwork and composition, emphasize "meaning first" and "unconventional", and pay attention to the grasp of the taste and charm of pen and ink.
He also put forward the viewpoint of "Shang Ya of Calligraphy", arguing that calligraphy should have charm and interest, so as to achieve the unity of charm and form. In addition, he also put forward the view that "words are like people", thinking that a person's personality, temperament, cultivation and other aspects can be expressed through his calligraphy works.
In a word, Liu Xizai is an important calligrapher and calligraphy theorist in modern China. He not only has high attainments in calligraphy creation, but also has original opinions and unique opinions in calligraphy theory.