A Study On Classical Calligraphy And Relevant Practice Penmanship From Dunhuang

The study of Dunhuang has a long history of 100 years. Achievements on its branches have been conspicuous while the study on calligraphy of Dunhuang manuscripts has still lagged behind. The reason not only consists in the material restrictions that means a mass of original manuscripts is not available and some high-definition copies are quite rare, but also in academic ones in which the crucial point is that many scholars have no way of dealing with scripts written with writing brushes regarded generally as the material and object of Dunhuang studies. Therefore, if we do not classify the calligraphy of Dunhuang manuscripts rationally and effectively, the calligraphic research would not proceed in regular and systematic order, let alone reach scientific level. Inspired by Bai Qianshen(白谦慎)'s classification, the present author classifies the calligraphy of Dunhuang Manuscripts under three types---classical calligraphy,quasi-classical calligraphy and non-classical calligraphy. Classical calligraphy implies these pieces wrote by famous calligraphers or could be admitted as famous calligraphers' pieces.Among these large amount of Dunhuang scripts, there are not many documents featuring classical calligraphy. It mainly has 6 following type:Suo Jin Yueyitie(索靖月仪帖),Wang Xizi Shiqitie Copy(王羲之十七帖临本),Zhi Yong Zhencaoqianziwen Jiang Shanjin's Copy (智永真草千字文蒋善进临本)；O Yangxun Huadusiyongchanshitamin Inscription(欧阳询书化度寺邕禅师塔铭拓本),Tang Taizong Wenquanmin Inscription(唐太宗温泉馆拓本),Liu Gongquan Jingangjin Inscription(柳公权书金刚经拓本).The former 3 types are manuscripts and the other 3 types are rubbings. Except the first type, these documents above have long held people's attention but leaving several unsettled problems. There're more problems concerning on the manuscript documents and few on rubbings.Lots of practise penmanship following classical calligraphy as a model have been found in Dunhuang manuscripts, for instance, Xuanshibiao(宣示表),Lantingshu(兰亭序)and Shangxianghuangqitie(尚想黄绮帖)which can be examined and corrected precisely so far. It is of great significance to do the research on the practise penmanship of Dunhuang transcripts for it is relating to ancient calligraphic education and aesthetic value.The research in this thesis is an academic attempt on the basis of calligraphic classification. And the methodology applied in this paper may be much more important than results.