Yongbi lun 用筆論

Yongbi lun 用筆論 "On the use of the brush", also called Yongbifa 用筆法 is a brief text on calligraphy written during the Tang period 唐 (618-907) by Ouyang Xun 歐陽詢 (557–641).

The essay has the form of a dialogue between an unnamed scholar-expert in calligraphy from the Hanlin Academy (Hanlin shanshu dafu 翰林善書大夫) and his colleague. Through their exchange, the essay sets forth its arguments. Using vivid and lively metaphors, it subtly and insightfully conveys Ouyang Xun's understanding of the art of brushwork. The text argues that only Wang Xizhi 王羲之 (303–361) has reached the pinnacle of perfection, setting a standard for future generations, earning widespread acclaim, and surpassing all others in both ancient and modern times. However, later generations have been unable to match him because they lacked innate talent, and skills and they had not fully grasped the essence and spirit of brushwork. The method of using the brush involves grasping it firmly and holding it short, swiftly pulling and quickly drawing, letting the strokes "hang like a suspended needle or drop like dew, bending like a caterpillar and stretching like a snake, scattering with a carefree air, and adorning with elegance". Every line dazzles the eyes, and every character astonishes the heart. It is like the spring flowers in the imperial garden, blooming everywhere and offering endless beauty. The text describes techniques and appearance of calligraphy with a wide range of metaphors.

The text is included in the series Siku quanshu 四庫全書, Chizaotang siku quanshu huiyao 摛藻堂四庫全書薈要, Peiwenzhai shuhua pu 佩文齋書畫譜 and Lidai shufa lunwen xuan 歷代書法論文選.