The Calligrapher — Yán Zhēnqīng 颜真卿

Tang master of robust regular script; co-creator of the enduring 'Yan style'.

Tang calligrapher (709–784), master of regular script/running script — the Tang moral paragon whose upright, muscular regular script became the model of Chinese integrity in writing. Tang dynasty

Cultural Story

Yi means lofty and outstanding, most famously in jiu yi (Jiuyi Mountains), the southern range where the Chu Ci places the tomb of the sage-king Shun. The Shi Jing praises a child as yi yi (tall and outstanding), promising greatness. The character thus joins sacred geography with the hope invested in a gifted young person, height as both place and promise.

Common words & phrases

• 九嶷 Jiuyi Mountains
• 嶷嶷 tall and outstanding

Read the story behind the character

A documentary climbs the jiu yi (Jiuyi Mountains) to the shrine of the ancient king Shun, and a baby-name book lists yi for tall and outstanding. Teachers call a bright student yi yi (tall and outstanding) when he answers first, and a travel blog tags the yi ridge for its sea of clouds. Though rare alone, yi marks both a holy yi range and a hopeful child.