A Study of the Intercourse between Zhang Yu and Yu Ji---the Calligrapher in Yuan Dynasty

Abstract

In the Yuan Dynasty, the minority nationalities was entered the Central Plain for the first time in Chinese history. During this period, although the status of Chinese people and intellectuals was low, their ideological control was loose, thus forming a unique literary style. The rapid promotion of the status of the humanities such as painting, calligraphy and literature in the life of the scholars brought about a brand-new attitude towards life, especially in the late Yuan Dynasty, the humanities taste and the artistic orientation showed many new changes. And the development of literature, calligraphy and painting in the Song Dynasty, as well as the establishment of the regime in the Yuan Dynasty all accelerated this process.. Facing the setbacks brought by the Mongolian yuan rule, some intellectuals turned to create an atmosphere through some group activities of calligraphy and painting in this period, and literature and art were also given a higher status. As a famous calligrapher in the middle and late Yuan Dynasty, Zhang Yu was also an influential Taoist and poet. On the basis of studying Zhang Yu's calligraphy art, this paper analyzes his social intercourse and its influence on his calligraphy thoughts and artistic style. Especially in calligraphy, he was first taught by Zhao Mengfu, and then learned from Huaisu and Zhang Xu, forming a handsome and free style, which is very valuable. In addition, he made many friends all his life. After becoming a monk, he traveled to various famous mountains in the south of the Yangtze River and made friends with famous people. Therefore, studying the intercourse between Zhang Yu and yu Ji can restore the real situation of the Literati's communication in the middle and late yuan dynasty, understand the multiple Zhang Yu's accomplishments of Taoism, poet and calligrapher, and better understand the relationship between Zhang Yu and Yu Ji, It can also learn about his experience of learning calligraphy and the internal and external causes of the formation of his calligraphy style, and the influence and function of Mingxi Literati's elegant and Yuji's intercourse on the formation of his artistic style.