The calligraphic art of Chu Suiliang: issues of genesis and features of artistic style

Abstract

This article delves into the calligraphy of Chu Suiliang, a renowned master of the Tang Dynasty whose style was profoundly influenced by Ouyang Xun, another seminal calligrapher of the period. The primary objective of the work is to analyse the genesis of Chu Suiliang’s style by identifying the mechanisms of reception of Ouyang Xun’s artistic principles and the distinctive features of his own artistic language. The research is based on a thorough examination of historical chronicles, calligraphic treatises, and a comparative formal and stylistic analysis of significant works, specifically stelae and inscriptions by both masters. The author approaches the evolution of Chu Suiliang's style from two perspectives: through written records and in terms of the transformation of writing techniques. The study reveals that in his early period, the master's work was heavily influenced by Ouyang Xun, as seen in his character construction, compositional structure, execution of strokes, and the use of bafen elements — a transitional calligraphic style situated between lishu (clerical script) and kaishu (regular script). However, Chu Suiliang eventually transcended his predecessor's canon, also drawing inspiration from the legacies of Wang Xizhi and Wang Xianzhi, thereby developing his own unique artistic language. This creative reinterpretation of tradition allowed the calligrapher to develop a distinctive style characterised by delicacy, plasticity, and a harmonious synthesis of rigour and softness. Ultimately, the study demonstrates that examining the influence of Ouyang Xun is fundamental to understanding the artistic language of Chu Suiliang, who did not merely adopt the technique but transformed it, thereby enriching the regular script of the Tang era. His oeuvre represents a significant contribution to the evolution of Chinese calligraphy.