Calligraphy Thought Of Ni Zan

As one of the four famous literati in the Yuan Dynasty,Ni Zan’s calligraphy has always been hid behind his paintings and poems.As a part of his art system,calligraphy seldom appeared alone but served as an attachment to his painting or in some of his correspondence.His calligraphy was of a solid foundation and various fashions which formed a unique style of his own.By listing.his discussions about calligraphy in his poems and essays,this article systematically sorts and interprets his philosophy of calligraphy study and contrasts the ancient learning with his aesthetic attitudes by illustrating with images.In the first section,this article begins with the calligraphy circles.in the Yuan Dynasty and Ni Zan’s calligraphy style.The second section discusses his philosophy of calligraphy study which had favour upon the Jin and Tang Dynasty;his aesthetic for force and grace,spirit charm and high-mindedness;along with his creation attitude of nature,self-entertainment and casualness.The third section lists the contemporary enlightenment on calligraphy practices which can be derived from Ni Zan’s philosophy of calligraphy study.