Buddhist Texts in Running Script《行书佛家语通屏》

Sun Shenxing (1565–1636)
Sun Shenxing, courtesy name Wensi, also known as Qiao and Xuan Yan Zi, was the grandson of Tang Shunzhi and a native of Changzhou, Jiangsu. A renowned politician and Confucian scholar of the Ming dynasty, he was one of the eminent officials known for his outspokenness during the Chongzhen period. He authored several works, including “The Doctrine of Caution” and “Historical Left Compilation.”

“Buddhist Texts in Running Script”
Due to his distinguished image as a virtuous official and the rarity of his surviving works, Sun Shenxing’s calligraphy has received limited attention from scholars. This piece showcases his energetic and spontaneous style, with broad and sweeping brushstrokes that reflect his grand demeanor. His work aligns with Su Dongpo’s calligraphic pursuit of “easy execution without meticulous planning.” The structure primarily derives from Liu Gongquan and Huang Tingjian, adopting tight central compositions and expansive strokes, also integrating elements of Li Yong and Yan Zhenqing, creating a unique, unrestrained style. Calligraphy often reflects one’s spirit and temperament. Sun Shenxing, known for his upright and candid nature, conveys an imposing and unyielding spirit through his forceful and angular brushstrokes, embodying his fearless and open-minded character. He is regarded as a prominent figure in romanticist calligraphy of the Ming dynasty.

孙慎行（1565—1636），字闻斯，号淇澳，又号玄晏子，唐顺之外孙，江苏常州人。明代著名政治家、儒学大师，崇祯年间敢于直言的名臣，被尊为“十大贤臣”之一。著有《慎独义》《史左编》等多部。

由于孙慎行的形象是以贤臣出现的，加之他的作品传世极少，所以学界对他的书法缺少重视。此件《行书佛偈语八条屏》是其行书力作，激昂率意，气度恢宏。从作品中可看出，他作书用硬毫退笔，纵横痛快扫刷，提按顿挫、墨色浓枯燥湿，一任自然。符合苏东坡的“点画信手烦推求”书学追求。结体主要是从柳公权、黄庭坚化来，采用了中宫收紧、长画舒展的体势，亦有参法李邕、颜真卿的，形成了独抒己意、不拘一格的独特风貌。

书为心画，书法在一定程度上是一个人的精神气质的体现。孙慎行是一位坦荡放达、光明磊落的贤臣，透过他那如刀削斧砍的笔势与欹侧的结体，可感受到其强烈的、发自性灵深处的森森然不可侵犯之气，体现了他不畏强权的坦荡胸襟，不失为有明一代浪漫主义书法大家。

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