Xue Yong

In 1969, Xue Yong was born into a humble farming family in Xia Zhuang Town. His parents were hardworking and down-to-earth farmers. From an early age, he developed a passion for calligraphy under the influence of his uncle. Whenever he watched his uncle writing Spring Festival couplets with ease and heard the villagers' enthusiastic praise, he became deeply fascinated by calligraphy. He said: “When you dip the brush in ink and write on paper, there is a certain charm and feeling—something difficult to fully express even today—but it felt incredibly wonderful and had a profound impact on my love for calligraphy.”

 

During middle school, Xue Yong began practicing calligraphy under his teacher’s guidance. At the same time, he subscribed to numerous calligraphy magazines, studied theoretical knowledge, broadened his horizons, and frequently participated in student art exhibitions. It was at these events that he met the renowned “Six Elders of Calligraphy and Painting” who were already famous in the surrounding areas of Lü County. He visited them repeatedly, humbly seeking advice from masters such as Cui Zhusheng, Ren Yingmin, and Wang Yuankuan, learning their techniques.

 

In 1992, after graduating from high school, Xue Yong was hired by Lü County Decoration Company due to his calligraphy skills, responsible for drafting regulations and copying documents. At that time, computers had not yet been widely adopted, so many materials and slogans were handwritten. Though the busy work was exhausting, it helped him develop exceptional handwriting.

 

Later, as the wave of entrepreneurship swept across the country, Xue Yong seized the opportunity and founded an art and culture decoration department. However, calligraphy requires creation, contemplation, and abundant energy and time. Thus, in 2003, he decided to abandon the decoration business and let others manage it while focusing solely on calligraphy art. That same year, the Shandong branch of the "Democracy and the Rule of Law" newspaper recruited journalists, and Xue Yong was hired based on his strong writing and calligraphy skills. In his work, he met many renowned calligraphers, which significantly enhanced both his cultural depth and calligraphy proficiency.

 

 

From then on, Xue Yong began extensively studying ancient masterpieces, always carrying books with him when traveling. He practiced diligently, imitating characters meticulously, and immersed himself completely in the study. He valued every moment, taking advantage of any free time to practice, sitting at his desk day and night, working tirelessly like one possessed.

 

Looking at Xue Yong’s works, one can see light and graceful brushstrokes, neat and vigorous strokes—even delicate lines retain firm structure. His style is refined and bold, full of elegance and charm reminiscent of the elegant and relaxed spirit of the Wei and Jin dynasties. His characters are well-proportioned, naturally balanced, harmonious yet fluid, with powerful, precise brushwork, clear distinctions between pressure and lift, each stroke carefully executed, inwardly restrained yet outwardly expansive, displaying great expressive power.

 

 

Xue Yong comes from a common family but has pursued refined art throughout his life. To seek mentors, he once rode his bicycle over a hundred miles to learn from teachers. As the saying goes, effort never goes unrewarded. After more than thirty years of diligent practice in the sea of ink and brushes, he has gradually become known in China's calligraphy circles, earning numerous prestigious titles. Currently, he serves as a member of the Chinese Calligraphers Association, Vice Chairman of the Chinese Standardized Calligraphy Association, Deputy Director of the China Central Television Channel Art Academy, and a council member of the China Artists Association.

 

Some key milestones:

 

In 2005, his work was selected for the Second National “Xinghua Village Fenjiu Group Cup” Calligraphy TV Competition, marking the beginning of his participation in major exhibitions and awards;

 

In 2013, he established Yunze Hall Calligraphy and Painting Academy in Beijing, where he encountered many leading figures in calligraphy and often engaged in exchanges and learning;

 

In 2014, he was admitted as a member of the Chinese Calligraphers Association;

 

From 2009 to 2015, he won first prize six consecutive times in national competitions organized by the Central Government Organs Calligraphy and Painting Association, and later became a judge for this association; his works have been collected by venues including the Great Hall of the People, Zhongnanhai, and Diaoyutai;

 

In 2018, he received the Silver Award in the second nationwide calligraphy competition “I Have Craftsmanship” hosted by Weipaidang, in the regular script category.

 

His hand-copied version of the *Sutra of the Lotus of the Wonderful Law*, consisting of over 80,000 characters and spanning 500 meters, was permanently enshrined as the treasure of the Wanfo Pagoda at Yongfu Temple in Wenzhou. His Six-Panel Heart Sutra scrolls are also displayed in numerous famous temples across China, including Shaolin Temple and Yongfu Temple.

Xue Yong's calligraphy works