There are currently no satisfactory English translations of prominent classical Chinese calligraphy masterpieces (法書, exemplary works that are worth for all to study and observe) like Cao Quan Stele (曹全碑) and Lanting Xu (蘭亭帖). This is the first book that offers line-by-line English translations of the following five Chinese calligraphy masterpieces along with detailed annotations and explanations using historical reference books and texts:
1. Cao Quan Stele (曹全碑) by an unknown calligrapher (185AD);
2. Lanting Xu (蘭亭帖) by Wang Xizhi (王羲之, 303-361AD);
3. Elaborations on the Chronicle of Ni Kuan (兒寬贊帖) by Chu Suiliang
(褚遂良, 596-658AD);
4. A Poem on General Pei (裴將軍帖) by Yan Zhenqing (顏真卿, 709-
785AD);
5. Huai Su’s Autobiography (懷素自叙帖) by Huai Su (懷素, 725-785 AD or
737-799 AD).
Previous attempts by renowned scholars such as Patricia Ebrey (in translating Cao Quan Stele) and LIN Yutang (林語堂, in translating Lanting Xu) contain significant errors and omissions and will be briefly discussed in this book. Hence, serious learners of Chinese calligraphy as well as scholars studying traditional Chinese culture will find this book particularly useful.
Spis treści
Introduction 5
Chapter One:
Cao Quan Stele (曹全碑)
Historical Background 15
Translation 16
Footnotes 25
Modelling of Cao Quan Stele 38
Chapter Two:
Lanting Xu (蘭亭帖)
Historical Background 43
Translation 46
Footnotes 51
Modelling of Lanting Xu 58
Chapter Three:
Elaborations on the Biography of Ni Kuan (兒寬贊帖)
Historical information 63
Translation 66
Footnotes 71
Modelling of Elaborations on the Biography of Ni Kuan 75
Chapter Four:
A Poem on General Pei (裴將軍帖)
Historical information 81
Translation 83
Footnotes 85
Modelling of A Poem on General Pei 88
Chapter Five:
Huai Su’s Autobiography (懷素自叙帖)
Historical Background 95
Translation 100
Footnotes 108
Modelling of Huai Su’s Autobiography 121
Bibliography 129
O autorze
Kwok Kin Poon (潘國鍵, 1949- ) was born in Guangzhou, raised in Hong Kong, and now resides in Toronto. He graduated from The Chinese University of Hong Kong (BA, MPh, Dip Ed), the University of Hong Kong (MA, Ph D), and OISE University of Toronto (MEd). He studied Chinese history under Professor YAN Gengwang (嚴耕望), Chinese calligraphy under his grandfather TSE Hay (謝熙) and Chinese painting under RONG Shushi (容漱石). Dr. POON is a seasoned teacher, researcher, calligrapher, columnist, and has held exhibitions in Hong Kong and Canada. His publications include《北魏與蠕蠕關係研究》, 《國鍵文集》, 《潘國鍵書法集》, 《國鍵畫選》, 《孫過庭書譜白話對譯》, 《寫在信仰荊途上》, 《年在耳順》, etc.. He also co-authored with KS Vincent POON A Narrative on Calligraphy by Sun Guoting (英譯書譜) and English Translation of Classical Chinese Calligraphy Masterpieces (英譯法書).