Thousand Character Classic

CHINA; Tang dynasty

This Thousand Character Classic consists of only 52 lines with a total of 243 characters. Unfortunately, the first half of the scroll is missing. Xian Yushu, a Yuan dynasty (1271–1368) calligrapher, once wrote a replacement manuscript to complete the missing front portion, but even his contribution did not survive to today.
Gaoxian was highly skilled in cursive script. He learned from the calligraphy masters Zhang Xu and Huaisu, and developed his own style. The brushstrokes are strong and forceful, especially where the brush lands or lifts, and the writing is energetic and expressive. This scroll, while qualified as a distinctive cursive script work by its momentum and stance, avoids abstraction by being forceful in the character form relating to stroke length, line thicknesses, and ink shades. This script is considerably softened given its quick strokes, frequent stoppages, and a significant lack in bridging ink trails that link between successive characters, all of which are traits that typify the cursive style. This composition is nevertheless representative of cursive script calligraphy of the Mid-Tang period (756–846).
Gaoxian was a Tang dynasty (618–907) monk and calligrapher that studied at various temples in Shaanxi, including Jianfu Temple and Ximing Temple. During the rule of Emperor Xuanzong (reigned 846–859) of the Tang dynasty, Gaoxian was summoned to work in the imperial palace and was bestowed a purple robe.