Yan Zhenqing’s “Eulogy for My Nephew” is a very meaningful work in the history of Chinese calligraphy. It has attracted much attention not only for its artistic value, but also for its historical background and preservation status. This article will explore the charm and significance of this thousand-year-old treasure from multiple perspectives.
“Eulogy for My Nephew” was created in the 14th year of Tianbao in the Tang Dynasty (755), when the Anshi Rebellion broke out. Yan Zhenqing’s cousin Yan Gaoqing and his son Yan Jiming died in the war. Yan Zhenqing used this article to express his remembrance and condolences for them. This article is not only a remembrance of relatives, but also a profound reflection on the social turmoil at that time. The emotions expressed by Yan Zhenqing in the text make this work full of the brilliance of humanity, making it a perfect combination of calligraphy and literature.
“Eulogy for My Nephew” is praised as “the best living calligrapher of Yan style” and is one of Yan Zhenqing’s representative works of running script. The character structure of this manuscript is compact yet smooth, and the strokes are rough and powerful, showing Yan Zhenqing’s unique calligraphy style. Compared with other calligraphy works, the changes in the character shapes of “Eulogy for My Nephew” are more dynamic. The tension and rhythm between the brush strokes make it a treasure in the hearts of calligraphy lovers.
The “Eulogy for My Nephew” has been preserved for more than a thousand years. There is an unknown story behind this miracle. Throughout history, this work has experienced wars and relocations many times, and was finally brought to Taiwan in the 20th century and stored in the National Palace Museum. Experts pointed out that the preservation condition of this work is almost unbelievable. If it were not for the protection of gods and Buddhas, it is hard to imagine that it could be so intact.
In contemporary times, the exhibition of “Eulogy for My Nephew” has attracted widespread attention. In the special exhibition “Yan Zhenqing, the Calligraphy Master and Calligraphy of His Time” held by the Tokyo National Museum, “Eulogy for My Nephew” became one of the most eye-catching focuses. This is not only a tribute to Yan Zhenqing’s calligraphy art, but also a profound reflection on the inheritance of Chinese culture. Through this work, modern people are able to re-understand the cultural background of the Tang Dynasty and the development of calligraphy art.
The exhibition of “Eulogy for My Nephew” is not only an artistic exchange, but also a cultural collision. It allows Japanese audiences to appreciate the essence of Chinese calligraphy and promotes understanding and interaction between Chinese and Japanese cultures. As calligraphy’s influence expands around the world, this work has become a representative of Chinese culture, showing the unique charm of calligraphy to the world.
Yan Zhenqing’s “Eulogy for My Nephew” is not only a work of calligraphy, but also a witness to a piece of history. It carries Yan Zhenqing’s remembrance of his relatives, showcases the pinnacle of calligraphy art, and still shines with cultural brilliance a thousand years later. This miraculous preservation allows us to re-experience the charm of Tang Dynasty calligraphy in the contemporary era and reflect on the importance of cultural heritage. Through “Eulogy for My Nephew”, we not only see the beauty of calligraphy, but also feel the depth of human nature and the weight of history. This work reminds us how important it is to preserve and pass on culture in an era of change.
References:
https://tw.yahoo.com/news/顏真卿祭姪文稿-真跡保存逾千年是奇蹟- 圖-124646057.html
http://culture.people.com.cn/BIG5/n1/2019/0116/c1013-30544732.html
https://www.phototaiwan.com/Product?ImgID=20190115017100&ImgSubID=201901150171000000
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