Calligraphy

2015

Length:69.4 x Width:136.4 (cm)

Chang Tzu-Chiang (b. 1943, Dapu County, Guangdong Province) graduated from the Department of History at National Taiwan Normal University and later earned a master’s degree in education from the University of Northern Colorado. He served as principal of Fengyuan Senior High School and Taichung Chiming School, and participated in art organizations such as the Taichung Calligraphy Society and the Chinese Calligraphy Society. Introduced to calligraphy in childhood under family instruction, Chang continued his studies while attending Taichung Normal School (now National Taichung University of Education), learning painting from noted masters Lu Fo-Ting (1911-2005) and Lin Chih-Chu (1917-2008). In 1976, he became a disciple of calligrapher Chen Chi-Chuan (1917-2003). Proficient in multiple script types, he has produced a substantial body of work.
Zhuge Liang’s Letter of Admonition to His Son is written in regular script and transcribes the Jie Zi Shu, a personal letter from Zhuge Liang (181-234) to his son Zhuge Zhan (227-263) containing the statesman’s lifelong wisdom. Chang employs a centered brush technique, with concealed brush-tips and rounded turns at the start of strokes. Horizontal strokes are rendered lightly, vertical strokes more heavily, and many carry an inward, embracing curve, producing a subtle arc. The work reflects the robust and full-bodied qualities of the Yan style, while its precise structure and vigorous brushwork also recall the elegance of the Liu style. The composition as a whole exudes a refined, classical spirit.

Accession number:20160100001