Select Characters from Huaisu's "Autobiography"
In 1969 Xie began to study the calligraphy of Huaisu (725–ca. 799), whose Autobiography is the most celebrated example of wild cursive script in Chinese art. Xie wrote an essay on the master in 1970; this calligraphy therefore can be dated tentatively to that period.
In these two album leaves, rather than copy the entire text, Xie excerpted individual characters that interested him. In the photograph of the original text (displayed above), the three characters outlined in red were the models for the last three characters in the first column (on the far right) of Xie's copy.
In these two album leaves, rather than copy the entire text, Xie excerpted individual characters that interested him. In the photograph of the original text (displayed above), the three characters outlined in red were the models for the last three characters in the first column (on the far right) of Xie's copy.
Artwork Details
- 現代 謝稚柳 臨懷素自敘帖字跡 鏡片
- Title: Select Characters from Huaisu's "Autobiography"
- Artist: Xie Zhiliu (Chinese, 1910–1997)
- Date: ca. 1969–1970s
- Culture: China
- Medium: Two sheets; ink on paper
- Dimensions: Overall (unmounted, leaf k): 10 x 11 5/8 in. (25.4 x 29.5 cm)
Overall (unmounted, leaf l): 10 x 11 3/8 in. (25.4 x 28.9 cm) - Classification: Calligraphy
- Credit Line: Gift of Sarah Shay, 2005
- Object Number: 2005.411.8a, b
- Rights and Reproduction: Estate of Xie Zhiliu
- Curatorial Department: Asian Art
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