「Look at the Picture and Talk about the Painting」Who is the contemporary master of calligraphy, Lin Sanzhi or Yu Youren?

Yu Youren and Lin Sanzhi were both respectfully referred to as “Contemporary Calligraphy Masters”. Who was the true contemporary calligraphy master? In the previous episode, we talked about Yu Youren’s calligraphy. Interested readers can refer to the previous episode. Today, let’s talk about Lin Sanzhi.

Lin Sanzhi’s unique calligraphy style is inseparable from his absorption of various nourishments. In his early years, he studied under the master of traditional Chinese painting, Huang Binhong, and in the concept that painting and calligraphy share the same origin, he developed a unique artistic aesthetic. After entering the realm of calligraphy, he took Wang Xizhi as the model, absorbing the peaceful elegance and flowing spirit of his brushstrokes, as well as learning the unrestrained and free-spirited style of Huai Su and the undulating and continuous style of Wang Duo. Through the digestion and integration of the strengths of various masters, he built his own framework of calligraphy art.

In order to bring this artistic conception to life, he boldly broke through in terms of tools and techniques, using long-haired sheep-hair brushes and stored ink to integrate the ink techniques in painting into calligraphy creation. Under his brushstrokes, the lines are lean, firm and smooth, and the ink colors, from dry to wet and from thick to thin, add layers to the brushwork. Sometimes the ink is rich and colorful, and sometimes the white lines are prominent, creating a unique artistic charm.

Yu Youren’s cursive script is powerful and imposing, exuding a grand and magnificent aura; while Lin Sanzhi’s cursive script is graceful and free-flowing, with a profound and distant artistic conception, like a gentle stream, fully demonstrating the beauty of emptiness. In fact, there is no need to debate who is the “true contemporary master of cursive script”. The powerful spirit of Yu Youren and the ethereal charm of Lin Sanzhi are already the two ultimate and splendid aspects of cursive script.

For us, the best way to pay tribute to these two masters is to let go of the obsession with “comparison”, and with all our heart, pass on this sincere devotion and unwavering commitment to art. This is the most appropriate way to honor them, and it is also the most precious expectation they leave for future generations.
The tea for today is all gone. Next time, I’ll brew a fresh pot and enjoy art with you again.