Yu Shinan (558 – 11 July 638[1]), courtesy name Boshi, posthumously known as Duke Wenyi of Yongxing, was a Chinese calligrapher and politician who lived in the early Tang dynasty and rose to prominence during the reign of Emperor Taizong. His uncle, Yu Ji (虞寄), also served in the Tang imperial court as an Imperial Secretary. He is regarded as one of the four greatest calligraphers in the early Tang dynasty along with Ouyang Xun, Chu Suiliang and Xue Ji, and one of the more famous ones in the history of Chinese calligraphy. Emperor Taizong once mentioned that Yu Shinan was "a man of five absolute merits", referring to his virtuous behavior, loyalty, erudition, writings and calligraphy.[2]

Yu Shinan
虞世南
Born558
Died11 July 638(638-07-11) (aged 79–80)
Other names
  • Boshi (伯施)
  • Duke Wenyi of Yongxing (永興文懿公)
Occupation(s)Calligrapher, politician
Children
  • Yu Xu
  • Yu Xiuyao
  • one other daughter
FatherYu Li
Relatives

References

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  1. ^ ([贞观十二年]夏五月壬申,银青光禄大夫、永兴县公虞世南卒。) Jiu Tang Shu, vol.03. (寻卒,年八十一。) Jiu Tang Shu, vol.72
  2. ^ (太宗以是益亲礼之。尝称世南有五绝:一曰德行,二曰忠直,三曰博学,四曰文辞,五曰书翰。) Jiu Tang Shu, vol.72
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