Yang Zuotang – Selected Masterpieces

Yang Zuotang - Critical Acclaim 

Lin Xiaozhi (son of calligraphy master Lin Sanzhi):
Yang Zuotang, the second daughter of the late renowned painter Yang Jianhou, diligently studied calligraphy under her father’s guidance. Her practice in semi-cursive and running script has been both rigorous and respectful. Lin Xiaozhi praises her work for its discipline and refinement, noting that her dedication reflects her family’s artistic lineage. He describes her calligraphy as a testament to scholarly devotion and artistry.

Ding Mang:
Yang Zuotang inherits the refined artistic tradition of her family, combining elegance in tone and mastery of brushwork. Her long scroll Peach Blossom Spring evokes a sense of flowing, ethereal beauty. Ding Mang notes the personal and historical resonance of her work, remarking on the deep cultural continuity she embodies.

Taicang Yulin:
Yang Zuotang’s Peach Blossom Spring demonstrates decades of disciplined practice, revealing a style both meticulously structured and gracefully poised. Her adherence to classical principles reflects her pursuit of traditional aesthetics while maintaining a personal artistic voice.

Huang Dun (PhD advisor, Nanjing University of the Arts):
Her edition of Tao Te Ching in small script exemplifies precision and serenity, with no careless strokes. Huang Dun praises her enduring dedication to calligraphy, noting the rarity of such calm mastery in today’s fast-paced world.

Zhou Jiyin (PhD advisor, Nanjing University of the Arts):
Yang Zuotang’s work on Sun Guoting’s Shupu demonstrates exceptional skill in brushwork, structure, and layout. Her calligraphy captures both the form and spirit of the original, achieving a harmonious blend of classical fidelity and personal interpretation.

Guan Jun:
Observing Yang Zuotang’s rendition of Peach Blossom Spring is like entering a dreamlike, utopian landscape. Even without meeting her, her works convey a sense of disciplined mastery and deep immersion in the calligraphic tradition.

Jiang Zhou (Professor, Xuzhou Normal University):
Her monumental copy of Zhao Songxue’s Tao Te Ching displays meticulous craftsmanship and rootedness in tradition. Jiang Zhou highlights her perseverance, humility, and continuous pursuit of excellence, which are rare among contemporary calligraphers.

Ma Fengxin (former director, Xuzhou Painting & Calligraphy Academy):
Her Tao Te Ching copy demonstrates extraordinary finesse, combining delicacy with power. Ma Fengxin praises her perseverance and deep engagement with the art, noting the clarity, elegance, and balanced rhythm of her strokes.

Le Quan (Researcher, Chinese Academy of Arts):
Yang Zuotang’s skill and dedication are profound, standing in contrast to the superficiality often found in contemporary calligraphy.

Yu Lü:
Her calligraphy of Peach Blossom Spring combines literary charm and visual grace, achieving harmony between text and form, bridging past and present.

Xue Longchun (Associate Professor, Nanjing University of the Arts):
Yang Zuotang’s lifelong dedication to calligraphy, including copying classical works across multiple script styles, is admirable. Her work embodies the essence of Sun Guoting’s Shupu, demonstrating both technical mastery and expressive vitality.

Yang Zuotang – Books

Yang Zuotang - Biographical Timeline 

In 2023, she participated in the "Silk and Fashion: 2023 Nanjing Dongci Academy of Painting and Calligraphy Female Artists Exhibition" at the Dongci Art Museum in Nanjing.

​

In 2022, she participated in the Yan Family Rules School unveiling ceremony and the calligraphy and painting community tour exhibition at the Yan Zhenqing Memorial Hall in Nanjing.

​

In 2020, she completed a 68.72-meter-long scroll of small regular script for "The Yan Family Rules​."

​

In 2019, a book donation ceremony was held in her honor at the School of Arts of Nanjing University.

​

In 2018, she published "Yang Zuotang Calligraphy in Peking University Founder Font Library" and "Yang Zuotang Calligraphy: Li Qingzhao's Shuyu Ci." She held a calligraphy art exhibition titled "Calligraphy as a Carrier of Culture: Yang Zuotang Calligraphy Art Exhibition" at the Guangsha Art Museum in Nanjing and donated over three thousand books to libraries, universities, middle schools, primary schools, and township schools.

​

In 2017, her "Zuotang Regular Script" was selected for inclusion in the Peking University Founder Font Library. She participated in the "Ten Thousand Homes and a Danfeng Mingchun" Jiangsu Female Calligraphers and Most Beautiful Family Calligraphy Works Exhibition, jointly organized by the Jiangsu Women's Federation and the Jiangsu Calligraphers Association. She also participated in the "Lotus Heart and Meaning" series of lotus-themed poetry, calligraphy, and painting exhibitions organized by the Jinling Women's College and hosted by the Zhongze Art Museum.

​

In 2016, she held the "Ink and Charm: Yang Jianhou's Legacy and Yang Zuotang's Calligraphy Exhibition" at the San Francisco International Art Center and conducted a lecture on the theme "The Charm of Calligraphy." She participated in the "Calligraphy Works Exhibition Commemorating the 150th Anniversary of Sun Yat-sen's Birth" at the Jiangsu Art Museum and the "2016 Across the Pacific The Third Chinese Art Festival Art Exhibition" at the San Francisco International Art Center.

​

In 2015, she organized the "Ink Fate: Wu Xiaolin, Yang Zuotang, Wang Jingxiu Calligraphy Exhibition" in Nanjing.

​

In 2014, she participated in the Los Angeles Global Art Fair and was awarded the title of "Worldwide Art China." In November, she held the "Yang's Heart will Go on: Yang Zuotang Calligraphy Exhibition" in San Jose, USA.

In 2012, she was further introduced in the Chinese-language magazine "Oriental Art Magazine" and featured in the magazine "Renowned Artists' Art."

In 2011, she participated in the inaugural Jiangsu Women's Calligraphy and Seal Carving Exhibition and the Jiangsu Calligraphy Nomination Exhibition.

In 2010, there were two special feature reports in Taiwan's "World Forum Daily," dedicated coverage in "Chinese Art News," "Fine Arts News," and "Nanjing Morning Post," as well as a special feature in the "Yangtze Evening News." Additionally, an exhibition titled "Commemorating the 100th Anniversary of Yang Jianhou's Birth: Yang Jianhou's Legacy Exhibition and Yang Zuotang Calligraphy Exhibition" was held at the Jiangsu Art Museum. Furthermore, a book titled "Yang Zuotang Calligraphy" was published.

In 2009, she was featured in a special television program by Jiangsu Public Television, and she was introduced in the Chinese-language magazine "Oriental Art Forest."

In 2007, she was featured in a special edition of "Xinhua Daily," and she held the "Yang Jianhou's Legacy Exhibition and Yang Zuotang Calligraphy Exhibition" at the Jiangsu Art Museum. She also published "Yang Zuotang's Calligraphy Collection."

In 2006, she held a personal exhibition and lecture at the Asian Art Center in Silicon Valley, USA, and was featured in special articles in North American Chinese newspapers, including "Sing Tao Daily," "Qiao Bao," and "Ming Pao."

In 2005, she went to Europe for cultural and artistic exchanges and participated in the "Paris-China Invitational Exhibition of Calligraphy and Painting Artists," where she was awarded the title of "Cultural and Artistic Ambassador between China and Europe."

In 2003, she participated in the "Jiangsu Women's Calligraphy Works Invitation Exhibition" jointly organized by the Jiangsu Calligraphers Association and the Macau Calligraphers Association.