Penetrating the Book of Changes by Master Zhou-China Archive

Image Number: K2B000040N000000000PAA
Dynasty: Ming dynasty
Category: Calligraphic works
Author: 董其昌
Form: 軸
Exhibition dimension: 189.4×154.5
Description:
This axis is a rare calligraphy axis of Dong Qichang. It is an excerpt from Zhou Dunyi’s (1017-1073) Tongshu. According to the style of the title, scholars judge that the book was written in the 39th year of Wanli (1611), which belongs to his energetic middle age, showing his control and achievements in the writing of large character regular script. Although the whole work reveals a strong feature of Yan Kai, the author can get rid of the resemblance of Yan Zhenqing’s pen and characters and skillfully transform it into a unique personal appearance. The use of pen seems to be plain, but it implies changes. The performance of stippling also tends to be simple and vigorous. The single character structure is a combination of strangeness and ingenuity in stability. The sparse and clear spacing reveals an ethereal atmosphere, and the overall harmony is strong and leisurely.