Lingnan Area Tiexue Calligraphy Research At Late Qing Dynasty

When it comes to calligraphy in late Qing Dynasty, what has been most heard is “Beixue prospers” while “Tiexue declines”, which is not the fact. When “Beixue prospers” in late Qing Dynasty, Tiexue did not decline. And so did Lingnan calligraphy.Tiexue in Lingnan area in late Qing Dynasty was passed on to the next generations. Its representatives, such as Wu Rongguang, Zhu Ciqi, Chen Li, etc., were rich in learning and cultivation, who laid emphasis on the basics of calligraphy learning, revered the calligraphy by people from Jin, inherited the root of Tiexue. Learning from tradition calligraphy but not limited by it, they were innovative to introduce the new, and their thoughts on calligraphy learning remained connected with the traditional Tiexue. Meanwhile, they either had rich experiences and extensive intercourse or taught as teachers, and played far-reaching effects on the communication and transmission of Tiexue in Lingnan area in late Qing Dynasty. Even Kang Youwei, a great Beixue calligrapher from Lingnan area in late Qing Dynasty, regretted abandoning Tiexue and hoped to learn it again. Therefore, we see that he learnt Tiexue and highly praised Wang Xizhi’s handwriting, which proves to be a convincing demonstration for the wide influence of Tiexue in Lingnan area in late Qing Dynasty.Besides, Ketie is also important contents for Tiexue. In late Qing Dynasty, it prospered in Lingnan area with South Sea and Panyu as centers, ranked top at that time. Ketie was made by inscribing the traditional Tiexue in past dynasties for people to copy, appreciate, and learn, which also promoted the spread of Tiexue in Lingnan area in late Qing Dynasty and our whole country.Facts show that Tiexue, with rich contents, powerful vitality and influence, still prospered in Lingnan area in late Qing Dynasty.