Copy of Zhang Xu's Cursive Calligraphy of Four Ancient Poems

Xie Zhiliu Chinese

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In 1969 and 1970, Xie borrowed Zhang Xu's (act. ca. 700–750) calligraphic masterpiece, a transcription in wild cursive script of poems by Yu Xin (513–581) and Xie Lingyun (385–433). Xie's traced copy reproduces,in exquisite detail, not only Zhang's dynamic, spontaneous brushstrokes but also the collectors' seals of both the emperor Huizong (r. 1101–25) and Zhao Mengjian (1199–before 1267). In addition, at the beginning and end of the album, Xie transcribed two of his own poems and one by Du Fu (712–770), all three on the subject of Zhang's calligraphy. Zhang's original is now in the Liaoning Provincial Museum.

Copy of Zhang Xu's Cursive Calligraphy of Four Ancient Poems, Xie Zhiliu (Chinese, 1910–1997), Album of ten leaves; ink on paper, China

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