A Study of the Intercourse between Zhang Yu and Yu Ji---the Calligrapher in Yuan Dynasty

Journal: Region - Educational Research and Reviews DOI: 10.32629/rerr.v3i2.294

Yang Song

Jilin University of the Arts

Abstract

In the Yuan Dynasty, the minority nationalities was entered the Central Plain for the first time in Chinese history. During this period, although the status of Chinese people and intellectuals was low, their ideological control was loose, thus forming a unique literary style. The rapid promotion of the status of the humanities such as painting, calligraphy and literature in the life of the scholars brought about a brand-new attitude towards life, especially in the late Yuan Dynasty, the humanities taste and the artistic orientation showed many new changes. And the development of literature, calligraphy and painting in the Song Dynasty, as well as the establishment of the regime in the Yuan Dynasty all accelerated this process. Facing the setbacks brought by the Mongolian yuan rule, some intellectuals turned to create an atmosphere through some group activities of calligraphy and painting, and literature and art were also given a higher status. As a famous calligrapher in the middle and late Yuan Dynasty, Zhang Yu was an influential Taoist and poet. On the basis of studying Zhang Yu’s calligraphy art, this paper analyzes his social intercourse and its influence on his calligraphy thoughts and artistic style. Especially in calligraphy, he was first taught by Zhao Mengfu, and then learned from Huaisu and Zhang Xu, forming a handsome and free style. In addition, he made many friends all his life. After becoming a monk, he traveled to famous mountains in the south of the Yangtze River and made friends with famous people. Therefore, studying the intercourse between Zhang Yu and yu Ji can restore the real situation of the Literati’s communication at that time, understand Zhang Yu’s multiple accomplishments of Taoism, poet and calligrapher, and the relationship between them. It can also learn his experience in calligraphy, the internal and external causes of his calligraphy style, and the influence and function of Mingxi Literati’s elegant and Yuji’s intercourse on the formation of his artistic style.

Keywords

Yuan Dynasty; Zhang Yu; cultural environment

References

[1] Zhang Y. (2003). Synopsis of a Collection of Unofficial Histories. Summary of Complete Collection of Four Treasuries General Catalogue 168. Zhonghua Book Company.
[2] Ding X.Y. (2005). Zhang Yu Chronicle. Master’s thesis at Guangxi Normal University.
[3] Yao S.Y. (1993). The Mentality of the Literati in Yuan Dynasty. Arts and Culture Publishing House.
[4] Zheng X.S.(1991). Zheng Xiao Si Collection. Shanghai Ancient Books Publishing House.

Copyright © 2021 Yang Song

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