Research On The Calligraphy In The Diary Of Zheng Xiaoxu

The development of Bei School of calligraphy has entered into a mature stage by late Qing Dynasty with artworks of various techniques, structure, content and forms emerging. Zheng Xiaoxu was one of the representatives of Bei School (Calligraphy on Stele) during the late Ming and early Qing Dynasty. His work was in line with the mainstream while maintaining his unique features. He absorbed the ancestors’essences and integrated the Jiandu (inscribed bamboo slips) Calligraphy into his own artwork. By combing the two schools of Bei and Tie(Calligraphy on paper), he brought the school of Bei calligraphy to reach its peak in Qing Dynasty. The Diary of Zheng Xiaoxu (thereafter called the Diary) kept a good record of his study, research, appreciation, comment and creation about calligraphy which was a real record of his practice and thinking. These historical materials serve not only as valuable resources when study Zheng Xiaoxu’s calligraphy but also the Bei school of calligraphy in the Qing Dynasty, which will inspire the later calligrapher as well. This paper aims at restoring the real thoughts and actual methods in the study and creation of calligraphy through selecting and organizing the historical material included in the Diary.