Describes a style of calligraphy, especially cursive script, that is natural, fluid, vigorous, and lively, like a bird flying into a forest or a startled snake darting into the grass.
Era:
Ancient
Frequency:
Story:
Shi Yalou was a monk during the Tang Dynasty. He resided in a temple for many years, burning incense and reciting scriptures.
While other monks secretly played chess or slept in their leisure time, Shi Yalou purchased inkstones, ink, brushes, and paper to practice calligraphy. Sometimes, even in the dead of night, he would still be practicing diligently.
As years passed, his calligraphy skills became profoundly refined. Many people who came to burn incense and worship Buddha also requested him to write for them, and he always agreed. His cursive script, in particular, was elegant and unrestrained.
Someone once asked him, 'How does one judge good cursive calligraphy?' Shi Yalou then wrote eight characters: 'Flying birds exiting the forest, startled snakes entering the grass!'