Heart Sutra

TAIWAN; Ming dynasty

Written by Dong Qichang, the colophon at the end of the scroll denotes that this manuscript was his first calligraphic work of a new year; it further revealed that this was the first piece scripted by Dong that spring. He wrote that the sutra manuscript employed a regular script, and references were made to Ouyang Xun and Yan Zhenqing. It was his intention to inspire awe and respect for the sutra among the viewers, an aspiration that goes beyond his own piety that brought the work to completion.
Dong referred primarily to the Stele of Prabhutaratna Pagoda when modeling after Yan Zhenqing’s works. A strong resemblance to the stele’s calligraphic style can be observed, and although Dong refers to his work as a stylistic rendition of both Ouyang and Yan’s work, the broad strokes and character articulation make unmistakable allusions to Yan’s stele inscription in particular. There is an unrestrained, open ambiance, which contributes to the considerably high quality of calligraphy.
Dong Qichang, also known as Xuanzai and Sibai, was a Ming dynasty (1368–1644) calligrapher who came from Huating (present day Songjiang, Shanghai). He was named as one of the Four Great Calligraphers of the late Ming dynasty, alongside Xing Tong, Zhang Ruitu, and Mi Wanzhong.