The Comparative Study Of Mi Fu, Zhao Mengfu And Wang Duo's Calligraphy

Mi Fu, Zhao Mengfu and Wang Duo are among the most influential calligraphers in the history of Chinese calligraphy. Their calligraphy and calligraphic theories, an important composition of Chinese calligraphic tradition, have the highest artistic and aesthetic value. Based on the three masters' works, relative historical data, and the background of the calligraphic history from the Wei-Jin dynasty to the Ming-Qing dynasty, this article analyzed the similarities and differences among their calligraphy and the factors that influenced the formation of their styles by employing the strategies of comparison. These factors include: the objectives of learning and imitating, the idea of worshipping antiquity and the practice of studying antiquity, personal psychology, characteristics and the context they were in. After analyzing the above-mentioned in detail and systematically, the author induces some common law of their success as follows:First of all, we must realize the value of the tradition, especially the Jin-Tang dynasty calligraphic tradition represented by Wang Xizhi and Wang Xianzhi. The more important value of calligraphic tradition lies in its very changeable techniques and the employment of abundant styles, which implies almost limitless potentialities of creation. Secondly, we must learn calligraphy, refine and grasp our writing skills by proceeding with imitating traditional masterpieces. Thirdly, we must attach great importance to the speciality of their calligraphy and the subjectivity of the calligraphers. Besides, when we choose the calligraphic model, i.e. the classical traditional calligraphy for imitation practice, taking the calligraphic styles into account, we should select the models most favorable to our tastes. Finally, we should express our unique emotions through the creative calligraphy by skillfully using compositional elements of calligraphy.Nowadays, in the field of calligraphy, various schools of calligraphy are trapped in chaos and confusion. Creativities declining, works tending to be cliche, and theory studies losing clear directions turns out to be the main symptoms. Owing to the current condition, these laws that had been deduced through comparative studies of works by three calligraphers, Mi Fu, Zhao Mengfu and Wang Duo are of great instructive significance to our learning and creation, which is also the study motive of the author.