Xingshu (Running Script)

Overview

Xingshu (行书), often translated as "running script," is a style of Chinese calligraphy that bridges the gap between the more structured Kaishu (regular script) and the expressive Caoshu (cursive script). This script is characterized by its flowing, "cloud-like water and flowing stream" (行云流水) brushwork and "size variation" (大小相兼) structure, making it both practical and artistic. Developed during the Eastern Han Dynasty (25-220 CE), Xingshu has maintained its popularity throughout Chinese history due to its balance of speed and legibility, becoming one of the most widely used calligraphic styles in both historical and contemporary contexts.

History

The origins of Xingshu can be traced to the Eastern Han Dynasty. According to Zhang Huaiwan's "Shuduan" (《书断》), "Xingshu was created by Liu Desheng of Yingchuan in the Later Han Dynasty. It is a slight variation of regular script, emphasizing simplicity and convenience, hence it is called Xingshu." This suggests that Xingshu evolved from regular script (Zhengshu) through simplification.

Wang Sengqian's "Gulai Nengshu Renming" (《古来能书人名》) states: "Zhong You's calligraphy had three styles: the first is 'stone inscription script,' the most excellent; the second is 'charter script,' used for secret documents and teaching elementary students; the third is 'running contract script' (行押书), used for correspondence." This indicates that Xingshu was also known as "running contract script" and likely developed from the practice of signing documents.

During the Eastern Han Dynasty, Xingshu emerged around the same time as "Bafen Kaifa" (八分楷法), a transitional script between clerical and regular script. Initially, it was created by general writers who modified the Bafen script by removing the "wave" (波势) characteristics of clerical script while maintaining a more flowing movement. While not widely used during the Han Dynasty, Xingshu gained prominence during the Jin Dynasty, particularly through the innovations of Wang Xizhi.

Wang Xizhi (303-361 CE) revolutionized Xingshu by combining its practical utility with artistic expression, creating what is known as the "Southern School" of Xingshu, which has had the most profound influence in calligraphic history. As Li Zhimin, professor at Peking University and pioneer of "introducing stele script into cursive script," noted: "Wang Xizhi's calligraphy reflects both the simplicity and profoundness based on Laozhuang philosophy, as well as the harmony based on Confucian doctrine of the mean."

Key Information

Cultural Significance

Xingshu holds a significant place in Chinese cultural heritage due to its unique position between the structured regular script and the expressive cursive script. It embodies the Chinese aesthetic principle of "seeking balance in danger" (险中求平) and "harmony in diversity" (和谐).

The aesthetic principles of Xingshu layout include:

Size Variation

Due to its "free-form structure" (放纵体势), individual characters in Xingshu vary in height, width, and area, leading to the "vertical alignment, horizontal non-alignment" (纵有行，横无列) compositional method. This provides relative freedom in character structure and arrangement.

Weight Adjustment

"Seeking balance in danger" is an important factor in artistic beauty. To achieve balance, one must learn to adjust the weight distribution of characters.

Left-Right Flourishing

Chinese characters have left-right extending strokes (撇捺) that not only showcase the spirit of the characters but also facilitate interline arrangement and effective weight adjustment.

Vertical Continuity

Maintaining continuity throughout the composition is the most important technique in Xingshu layout.

Harmony

The four points above are specific methods for Xingshu composition, while "harmony" is the overall requirement. Regardless of the size or number of characters, the work should form a unified whole, including harmony in brushstrokes, spacing, style, and character forms.

Modern Status

Xingshu continues to thrive in contemporary calligraphy practice. It has evolved through various historical periods: the golden age of the Wei-Jin period, the developmental period of the Tang Dynasty, and reaching new heights in the Song Dynasty, where it gradually became the dominant script among various calligraphic styles.

Throughout Chinese calligraphic history, scripts such as seal script, clerical script, and regular script have experienced periods of prosperity and decline, while Xingshu has maintained continuous popularity, remaining a prominent field in calligraphy.

The "Three Great Running Scripts" represent the pinnacle of Xingshu achievement:
1. Wang Xizhi's "Lanting Xu" (《兰亭序》) - "The First Running Script Under Heaven"
2. Yan Zhenqing's "Jizhi Wen'gao" (《祭侄文稿》) - "The Second Running Script Under Heaven"
3. Su Shi's "Hanshi Tie" (《寒食帖》) - "The Third Running Script Under Heaven"

These works are considered milestones in Chinese calligraphic history, each representing different artistic styles: "Lanting Xu" embodies the elegance of scholars, "Jizhi Wen'gao" reflects the integrity of sages, and "Hanshi Tie" showcases the talent of literati.

Learning Xingshu

Learning Xingshu requires attention to several key aspects:

1. Breaking from Regular Script Rules: Unlike regular script, which emphasizes hidden starting strokes, detailed turning techniques, and specific hook methods, Xingshu prioritizes flow and continuity.

2. Diligent Copying: Specialized training through copying masterpieces is essential to master brush techniques and structural patterns. Recommended models include Zhao Mengfu's "Danbei Bei" and works by modern calligraphers like Lu Zhongnan and Ding Yongkang.

3. Reading and Appreciation: For Xingshu, reading and appreciating masterpieces (读帖) is particularly important. This involves studying the rhythm, spirit, and charm of ancient works to develop one's understanding.

4. Persistent Practice: Regular practice helps develop a personal Xingshu style. Beginners can practice in notebooks or diaries, gradually progressing from individual characters to complete compositions.

Creation Requirements

Creating excellent Xingshu works requires understanding three fundamental standards: "principles and methods are clear and smooth" (理法通达), "brush strength is vigorous" (笔力遒劲), and "posture is beautiful" (姿态优美). A good calligraphy piece should ideally achieve beauty in lines, structure, composition, and ink application.

Before creating, thorough preparation is essential. This includes considering the theme, form, and expression methods, carefully planning each character's structure, and arranging the composition. The writing process should emphasize rhythm and strength, embodying the principle of "embedding strength in gentleness and vigor in grace."

References

1. Li, Z. (2010). Chinese Calligraphy: History, Aesthetics, and Practice. Peking University Press.

2. Cai, G. (2008). The History of Chinese Calligraphy. Cultural Relics Publishing House.

3. Wang, S. (2015). Masterpieces of Chinese Calligraphy: Xingshu. Shanghai Chinese Painting Publishing House.

4. Chen, T. (2012). The Art of Chinese Calligraphy. Yale University Press.

5. Liu, X. (2017). Three Great Running Scripts in Chinese Calligraphy. Beijing: Zhongguo Shuhua Publishing House.