Yu Shinan (558–638), courtesy name Boshi (伯施), was a master of calligraphy

Calligraphy

Calligraphy is a type of visual art. It is often called the art of fancy lettering . A contemporary definition of calligraphic practice is "the art of giving form to signs in an expressive, harmonious and skillful manner"...

 in early Tang Dynasty

Tang Dynasty

The Tang Dynasty was an imperial dynasty of China preceded by the Sui Dynasty and followed by the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms Period. It was founded by the Li family, who seized power during the decline and collapse of the Sui Empire...

. He was also a paramount official, litterateur and well known confucian scholar in Emperor Taizong of Tang

Emperor Taizong of Tang

Emperor Taizong of Tang , personal name Lǐ Shìmín , was the second emperor of the Tang Dynasty of China, ruling from 626 to 649...

's era.

He's regarded as one of the four greatest calligraphers in early Tang Dynasty along with Ouyang Xun

Ouyang Xun

Ouyang Xun , courtesy name Xinben , was a Confucian scholar and calligrapher of the early Tang Dynasty. He was born in Hunan, Changsha, to a family of government officials; and died in modern Anhui province.-Achievements:...

, Chu Suiliang

Chu Suiliang

Chu Suiliang , courtesy name Dengshan , formally Duke of Henan , was a chancellor of the Chinese dynasty Tang Dynasty, during the reigns of Emperor Taizong and Emperor Taizong's son Emperor Gaozong...

 and Xue Ji

Xue Ji

Xue Ji , courtesy name Sitong , was an official of the Chinese Tang Dynasty, briefly serving as chancellor during the reign of Emperor Ruizong. He was considered one of the four greatest calligraphers of early Tang, along with Yu Shinan, Ouyang Xun, and Chu Suiliang.-Background:Xue Ji was born in...

, and one of the most famous ones in Chinese calligraphy history. As an important politician

Politician

A politician, political leader, or political figure is an individual who is involved in influencing public policy and decision making...

, Tang Taizong had a comment on him saying "Yu Shinan, a man of five absolute merits". He also served in Sui Dynasty

Sui Dynasty

The Sui Dynasty was a powerful, but short-lived Imperial Chinese dynasty. Preceded by the Southern and Northern Dynasties, it ended nearly four centuries of division between rival regimes. It was followed by the Tang Dynasty....

's court before Tang. And his uncle Yu Ji (虞寄), served in the royal court as Imperial Secretary.

External links

• Yu Shinan and his Calligraphy Gallery at China Online Museum