The first question beginners face is choosing model books (选帖). Selecting the correct copybook is crucial for your calligraphy journey. This expert-curated list provides the right path for learning.
How to Choose Copybooks
1. Choose original trace or rubbings for accurate structure and brushwork. 2. Avoid repaired or recarved versions that lose original风貌. 3. Don't learn from modern people's copies of ancient works. 4. Avoid double-traced copies that lose brush technique information.
Regular Script (楷书) Models
Ouyang Xun's '九成宫醴泉铭' - rigorous structure; Yan Zhenqing's '颜勤礼碑' - dignified and powerful; Liu Gongquan's '玄秘塔碑' - strong and upright; Chu Suiliang's works; Yu Shinan's '孔子庙堂碑'; Zhao Mengfu's '三门记'.
Clerical Script (隶书) Models
'乙瑛碑', '礼器碑', '张迁碑', '石门颂', '曹全碑', '史晨碑'.
Running Script (行书) Models
Wang Xizhi's '兰亭序' and '圣教序'; Li Yong's '李思训碑'; Yan Zhenqing's '祭侄稿'; Su Shi's '寒食诗帖'; Huang Tingjian's '松风阁诗'; Mi Fu's '蜀素帖'.
Cursive Script (草书) Models
Huang Xiang's '急就章'; Wang Xizhi's '十七帖'; Sun Guoting's '书谱'; Zhang Xu's '古诗四帖'; Huaisu's '自叙帖'.
Seal Script (篆书) Models
'散氏盘', '石鼓文', '峄山碑', Li Yangbing's '三坟记'.