書譜 Essay on Calligraphy

【作者介紹】

孫過庭（648年—703年），字虔禮，自稱吳郡人，一說富陽（今杭州市富陽區）人（漢及三國時富陽屬吳郡），一說陳留人。

Inside Story

Sun Kuoting’s “Essay on Calligraphy” represents the visual evaluation on the calligraphy art in Tang Dynasty. It presents the highest taste on calligraphy evaluation as well as the change and trend of calligraphy appreciation. The article holds significant function and meaning on the formation of art ideals and the maturity of art theory in the late Tang period. It is based on the fundamental principles of calligraphy and deeply brings out the characteristics of calligraphy which lies in the connection between calligraphy art and the inner thoughts of human being. He thought calligraphy art existed in daily lives, just like the flow of musical tune, it does not have a fixed direction and one is capable to sense its beauty. Once a piece of calligraphy work is completed, it will wander around as long as we appreciate the work and everyone is able to understand the spirit and beauty of each piece of calligraphy work.