Caoshuin the early period retained much feature of Lishu and was called Zhangcao (a coarse style formed by breaking up the forms of Lishu). From the Eastern Han Dynasty (25-220) to the Wei (220-265) and Jin (265-420) dynasties,Caoshugot rid of the trace of Lishu strokes, and employed a large number of running strokes, and was called Jincao (the modern cursive hand). By the Tang Dynasty (618-907),Caoshudeveloped further, was written in a lively and vigorous way and was called Kuangcao (crazy cursive hand).
AsCaoshuuses lots of running strokes and only has the outline of Chinese characters, it is illegible to most readers, which influenced its function of communication. Therefore, thoughCaoshucame into being comparatively early, it didn't become in written form within a state, whileZhuanshu(seal script) andLishu(official script) could not be written hastily, henceCaoshuemerged, one of the calligraphies in general use. However, it has been always loved by many people. FamousCaoshucalligraphers include Zhang Zhi, Zhang Xu, Huai Su and so on.
Representative:Zhang Xu
Running Hand
Xingshu(running hand or semi-cursive script) was something betweenLishu(the regular script) andCaoshu(the cursive scripts) in the initial period and now is betweenKaishu(the standard script) andCaoshu. No matter which type, when carefully written with distinguishable strokes, the Xingshu characters will be very close to the regular style; when swiftly executed, they will approach theCaoshu. Chinese masters have always compared with vivid aptness the three styles of writing --Kaishu, Xingshu andCaoshu-- to people standing, walking and running.
Xingshu is a looser writing style than regular style created by Liu Desheng in the reigns of Emperors Huan and Ling of the Han Dynasty (206BC-220AD). At the very beginning, it was called Xingya, and later on became an independent form.
Xingshu is considered more abstract and artistic. Writing Xingshu characters is done more quickly thanKaishubut executed with no less care. Xingshu is not as messy asCaoshu, nor as neat asKaishu. But it is convenient and highly practical for writing.
Masterpieces of Xingshu include Preface to the OrchidPavilionCollection by Wang Xizhi, which was reputed as No.1 Xingshu Work. Unfortunately, the original was not handed down, and the one we see today is only a copy of the original work. Due to the high level of the copier, the copy retains the beautiful, neat style.
Famous Xingshu calligraphers included Cai Xiang, Su Dongpo, Huang Tingjian and Mi Fu in the Song Dynasty (960-1279), who were called Four Masters of the Song Dynasty. In the Ming (1368-1644)) and Qing (1644-1911) dynasties and modern times, many calligraphers good at Xingshu came into being.
Representatives:Wang Xizhi,Wang Xianzhi,Four Calligraphy Master of the Song Dynasty
Author: Jessie
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