Yang Yisun

Yang Yisun was a calligrapher active in the late nineteenth century, documented through works created by 1871. His artistic focus centered on the highly formal tradition of Chinese calligraphy, specifically utilizing the ancient Seal Script Style (zhuanshu).

Seven works attributed to Yang Yisun are represented in institutional collections. These surviving pieces establish his dedication to the Seal Script form and the consistent theme of human well-being. The most widely documented piece held in collections is On Happiness, Calligraphy in Seal Script Style (zhuanshu), a work demonstrating the intricate, structured aesthetic required of this classical style. All known works are presently held in the collections of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

The enduring quality of these compositions ensures their value for both historical and aesthetic study. Today, Yang Yisun prints derived from these original compositions provide collectors and scholars access to museum-quality examples of late-Qing dynasty calligraphy. Furthermore, his work is often made available as downloadable artwork, promoting wider scholarship and appreciation of his contributions to the zhuanshu tradition.