Zhao Ji Zhao Gou Calligraphy Selection

Author: Xie Ji et al
Publisher:
Publish Date: 1995-12-01
Features: Zhao Ji (1082-1135), known as Emperor Huizong of Song, was a calligrapher and painter, the son of Emperor Shenzong. He was enfeoffed as Prince Duan during the reign of Emperor Zhizong and ruled from 1100 to 1125. He neglected state affairs, relied on treacherous ministers, imposed excessive taxes, and lived in extreme luxury. As a result, the empire weakened and impoverished, with border incidents frequent. He was eventually captured by the Jin forces and later died in Wuguocheng (now Yilan, Heilongjiang). Zhao Ji had a deep passion for calligraphy and painting, collecting numerous ancient scripts and artifacts. He ordered his officials to compile classics such as the Xuanhe Shupu. His regular script was influenced by Xue Yao but developed its own style, known as "Lean Gold Script," with bold and elegant strokes. He was also skilled in cursive script and other styles. This book selects his regular script works such as Nongfang Shi (Ode to Fragrant Flowers) and Qianziwen (Thousand Characters), as well as his cursive script Qianziwen.
Zhao Gou (1107-1187), known as Emperor Gaozong of Song, was the ninth son of Emperor Huizong. Initially enfeoffed as Prince Kang, he ascended to the throne in Nanjing (now Shangqiu, Henan) after the capture of Emperors Huizong and Qinzong, later moving the capital to Lin'an (now Hangzhou, Zhejiang). This period is known as the Southern Song Dynasty. He ruled for twenty-six years, enduring humiliation and seeking comfort. His calligraphic skills were profound. As recorded in Shushi Huiyao by Ming Dynasty's Tao Zongyi, "Emperor Gaozong excelled in regular, running, and cursive scripts, with an innate talent that reached perfection. Some say he initially learned from Mi Fu, supplemented by the artistic heritage of the Six Dynasties, and developed his own unique style."
This book selects his running script Qianziwen, cursive script The Legend of the Lady of the Luo River, and Ji Kang's Treatise on Nourishing Life by Zhi Kang.