Model Book of the "Thousand Character Classic", pt. 1, second half 17th century
Sasaki Shizumaexpand_more
Ink on paperexpand_more
Gift of Stephen Addiss and Audrey Yoshiko Seoexpand_more 2013.63.11.1
Not on Viewexpand_more
Sasaki specifically introduces a formal and orthodox orthography in this primer for elementary education. The Thousand Character Classic was created in China between 500 and 600 ce, consisting of 250 rhythmic four-character couplets in reference to other ancient Chinese classics.
Unlike other works in this exhibition, Sasaki’s writing is bold and clear― using few sweeping connections between two strokes and maintains a fixed size and square shape throughout all characters― so that pupils could practice holding their
brushes properly and observing correct stroke order. The clear, regular script Sasaki uses was based on the Holy Altar of the Magu-Nymph stela written by Yan Zhenqing, a late Tang Dynasty official and calligrapher. In several instances, however, he departed from the staid characters and experimented with different types of writing, some that appeared engulfed in flames and others that looked intentionally childish.
Details
- Title
- Model Book of the "Thousand Character Classic", pt. 1
- Artist Life
- 1619 - 1695
- Role
- Calligrapher
- Accession Number
- 2013.63.11.1
- Curator Approved
This record has been reviewed by our curatorial staff but may be incomplete. These records are frequently revised and enhanced. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@artsmia.org.
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