On October 20th, a new book titled “Calligraphy from the Heart: The Calligraphy Journey of Ma Shitu” was officially launched in Chengdu, Sichuan. The event attracted family, friends, and representatives from the Sichuan Artists Association, as well as notable figures from culture and education, all present to commemorate the occasion together.
The gathering celebrated the release of “Calligraphy from the Heart: The Calligraphy Journey of Ma Shitu,” which showcases 110 works by the renowned contemporary writer and calligrapher, Ma Shitu, originally named Ma Qianmu. Known for his literary contributions such as “Song of the Clear River” and “Ten Night Tales,” Ma is celebrated alongside literary giants like Ba Jin and Zhang Xiushu, forming what is referred to as the “Five Elders of Sichuan.”
The event was organized by several distinguished institutions, including Sichuan Fine Arts Publishing House, Sichuan University’s School of Literature and Journalism, and the Sichuan International Cultural Exchange Center. The book itself reflects Ma Shitu’s achievements in calligraphy throughout his life, presenting a chronological collection of his finest works along with personal insights, historical photographs, creative manuscripts, and frequently used seals. With its innovative layout, the book combines artistic presentation, readability, and collectibility, embodying Ma Shitu’s noble character and his journey in calligraphy.
During the launch, Tang Haitao, president of Sichuan Fine Arts Publishing House, reminisced about the deep-seated friendship between Ma Shitu and the publishing house, emphasizing their ongoing support for publishing endeavors. He shared the book’s conception, main content, and unique organization. Liu Xiaoyuan, representing Ma Shitu’s family, expressed that the collection serves not only as a tribute to his grandfather but also as a homage to the revolutionary ancestors of their generation.
“Through the auction of his calligraphy works, Ma Shitu contributed over 3.8 million yuan to establish the ‘Ma Shitu Literary Award’ at Sichuan University’s School of Literature and Journalism,” noted Yin Hao, the school’s deputy secretary and discipline inspection secretary. To date, the award has honored over 200 students in its ten-year history, marking a significant encouragement for those embarking on their literary journeys. Zhang Linyuan, a doctoral student in classical Chinese literature at Sichuan University, shared how the “Ma Shitu Literary Award” has inspired and motivated her while expressing deep respect and remembrance for Ma Shitu.
Additionally, the event featured a donation ceremony for both the new book and Ma Shitu’s calligraphy works, alongside the announcement of the launch of the 11th “Ma Shitu Literary Award.”
