Research On Chu Deyi

The traditional epigraphy entered into a new stage in late Qing Dynasty,and the search,appreciation and collection of epigraphy works was flourishing all walks of life.In such a context,Chu Deyi devoted most of his career to epigraphy and was especially good at the appreciation of inscription rubbings.A profound family background and the traditional education he received in adolescence laid a solid foundation for his scholarly attainments.His close relationships with Duan Fang,an influential collector of inscriptions,as well as Wu Changshuo,HaungMufu and Zhao Shuru,who were famous masters of inscription and seal cutting,are important sources for his scholarly attainments.Many prefaces and postscripts and forwards prior to printing seals collection demonstrate his profound knowledge.In addition to his contribution to the appreciation of traditional epigraphy works,Chu Deyi has also made remarkable achievements in calligraphy and seal cutting.The official scripts he copies from Han script are simple yet elegant;the regular scripts he learns from Chu Suiliang also integrate with the styles of Ouyang Xun and Yu Shinan,combining the strength and charm of stroke and magnificence;his seal cuttings,which even catch with those in Qin and Han Dynasties,emulate the Zhejiang and Anhui School in modern times,are abundant in variation.The research on Chu Deyi’s life stories,social intercourse,prefaces,postscripts and forewords,and calligraphy works and seal cuttings should be an indispensable part of the research on the whole calligraphy history of modern times.