
Wang Fangyu Chinese American, 1913-1997
Ten thousand brushes, 1970
ink on paper, hanging scroll
水墨纸本 立軸
水墨纸本 立軸
15 1/2 x 24 1/2 in
39.4 x 62.2 cm
39.4 x 62.2 cm
This running-script work draws on Su Shi’s In Praise of the Two Wangs: “Worn down a thousand brush tips and ground out ten thousand ink sticks—if not becoming Zhang Zhi,...
This running-script work draws on Su Shi’s In Praise of the Two Wangs: “Worn down a thousand brush tips and ground out ten thousand ink sticks—if not becoming Zhang Zhi, then at least a Suo Jing.” The phrase urged later generations to practice diligently and model themselves on the great masters of calligraphy. Notably, the artist adds the particle ye (也) to the original line. Far from altering the meaning, this addition—written with the airy grace and flowing rhythm of Wang Xizhi’s running script—becomes a subtle homage to the artist’s deep command of classical models: freedom discovered within structure, vitality drawn from discipline.
Visually, the calligraphy unfolds in quick, fluid strokes that taper into elongated endings, creating a rhythm both intentional and unrestrained. The balance of heavy and light touches, compact and open spacing, generates a dynamic interplay of tension and release. The work recalls the elegance of tranditional Shufa while bearing Wang Fangyu’s distinctive sensibility, embodying his lifelong pursuit of uniting personal expression with the enduring traditions of Chinese calligraphy.
这幅行书作品启发于苏轼《题二王书》中“笔秃千管,墨磨万铤,不作张芝作索靖”一句,以激励后人勤习书艺、追摹书圣传统。值得注意的是,作品在原文基础上增添一“也”字,不仅未损文意,反以王羲之行书特有的轻盈体势与流动韵味,致敬了闲师对古典书式的高度掌握——于法度中见自由,在规范中得灵动。
笔法上,该作行笔迅捷而收锋有意延长,通过富于创造性的节奏处理,追寻傳統书风中的飘逸神采。点画之间力道沉厚、气韵贯通,既见运笔之稳健,亦显纵逸之张力。结字疏密有致,既体现出对晋人风韵的深刻理解,亦传递出王方宇融个人表达于传统之中的艺术追求。
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Inscription:
Translation:Worn down a thousand brush tips and ground out ten thousand ink sticks—if not becoming Zhang Zhi, then at least a Suo Jing.
signed fangyu, with one seal of the artist, shi ji zhi lu
釋文:筆秃千管,墨磨千錠,不作張芝也作索靖。款識:方宇。
鈐印:「食雞跖廬」
Visually, the calligraphy unfolds in quick, fluid strokes that taper into elongated endings, creating a rhythm both intentional and unrestrained. The balance of heavy and light touches, compact and open spacing, generates a dynamic interplay of tension and release. The work recalls the elegance of tranditional Shufa while bearing Wang Fangyu’s distinctive sensibility, embodying his lifelong pursuit of uniting personal expression with the enduring traditions of Chinese calligraphy.
这幅行书作品启发于苏轼《题二王书》中“笔秃千管,墨磨万铤,不作张芝作索靖”一句,以激励后人勤习书艺、追摹书圣传统。值得注意的是,作品在原文基础上增添一“也”字,不仅未损文意,反以王羲之行书特有的轻盈体势与流动韵味,致敬了闲师对古典书式的高度掌握——于法度中见自由,在规范中得灵动。
笔法上,该作行笔迅捷而收锋有意延长,通过富于创造性的节奏处理,追寻傳統书风中的飘逸神采。点画之间力道沉厚、气韵贯通,既见运笔之稳健,亦显纵逸之张力。结字疏密有致,既体现出对晋人风韵的深刻理解,亦传递出王方宇融个人表达于传统之中的艺术追求。
-
Inscription:
Translation:Worn down a thousand brush tips and ground out ten thousand ink sticks—if not becoming Zhang Zhi, then at least a Suo Jing.
signed fangyu, with one seal of the artist, shi ji zhi lu
釋文:筆秃千管,墨磨千錠,不作張芝也作索靖。款識:方宇。
鈐印:「食雞跖廬」
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