Kai Yuan Coin Legend in the Wude Period and Ouyang Xun’s Calligraphy Conception

Abstract: Kai Yuan Tong Bao coin legend was firstly written by the famous calligrapher Ouyang Xun. With the help of historical records and archaeological materials, the inscription on Kai Yuan coin in the Wude Period has been known by people. As the only calligraphy material at present that can make people catch a glimpse of Ouyang Xun’s writing of seal script, it plays an important role in deeply studying his calligraphy theories. Kai Yuan coin legend was blended with advantages of all calligraphic styles because of the particularity of the coin’s form as well as the need of circulation and publicity. Through research and study, we have known that the coin inscription design totally proves the main content of Ouyang Xun’s articles about his calligraphy theories so as to provide evidence for the comprehensive understanding of his calligraphy conception and aesthetic pursuit.

Keywords: Kai Yuan coin legend; Ouyang Xun; Calligraphy conception

*Corresponding author, Xinmin Yang: School of Social Development and Management, Huzhou University, Huzhou, China. E-mail: 457844088@qq.com