Wang Sengqian: Ode to Meaningful Brushwork 王僧虔•笔意赞

段金生写王僧虔论书句

Wang Sengqian (426—485) was the fourth generation descendent of the sage of calligraphy Wang Xizhi's family, and one of the best calligraphers of his time. He was also famous for his writing on theory of calligraphy. His famous article ‘Ode to Meaningful Brushwork’ with only 135 words is the first example of analyzing Chinese calligraphy in terms of structural form and spiritual expression. It has a short preface of 63 words and the actual text itself contains only 72 words.

Below is the complete text of ‘Ode to Meaningful Brushwork’.

In the subtle calligraphic way, spiritual expression is valued higher than structural form. However, only when both these two qualities are found in a calligraphic work, it can then be said to have followed the finest works of our forefathers. If this is the case, does it mean that it is actually quite easy to follow such a standard? In doing so, the mind must forget that there is a brush and the hand must forget that there is a writing text. Only with harmony between mind and hand, the profundity of calligraphy can be reached. The qualities cannot be achieved through the concerted efforts, but they are obviously there when the work is investigated. With this in mind, I have written the ‘Ode to Meaningful Brushwork’.

Choose paper made in Shaoxing, ink made in Yishui, and brush of a cone-shaped tip and a straight handle. The ink that is thick with fresh colour and the brush with hairs that can be applied evenly to the paper are all the necessities of virtuous practice. Start with practising Oath, then move on to practice on Huangting Sutra* - the model calligraphic works of extraordinary skill and romantic charm. Write vertical strokes in the shape of long lance, and write horizontal strokes in the shape of cross nail. In the meantime give them the spirit of graceful iris and hovering bird. Write thick strokes without undue stress, and write thin strokes without undue lightness. The slightest curvature of a stroke indicates its inclination, and a hair-breadth deviation leads to faulty expression. Only after you have practiced sufficiently then you are able to achieve high standard and enjoy good reputation and status.

* Oath and Huangting Sutra are two calligraphic works by Wang Xizhi.

.

王僧虔（426-485）是书圣王羲之的第四代族孙，也是当时著名书法家之一。他的书论也有名。他的《笔意赞》只有135个字，却是以神采与形质来分析书法的第一人。以63写序，本文才72个字。

以下是《笔意赞》全文。

书之妙道，神采为上，形质次之，兼之者方可绍于古人。以斯言之，岂易多得？必使心忘于笔，手忘于书，心手达情，书不忘想，是谓求之不得，考之即彰。乃为《笔意赞》曰：

剡纸易墨，心圆管直。浆深色浓，万毫齐力。先临《告誓》，次写《黄庭》。骨丰肉润，人妙通灵。努如植槊，勒若横钉。开张风翼，耸擢芝英。粗不为重，细不为轻。纤微向背，毫发死生。工之尽矣，可擅时名。