The translation of "" to English is "The elegance of the two kings."

Author: Zhang Guohong
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-06-01
Features: Calligraphy Constellation Series. "Han Qie Tie" (Cold and Sharp Pastepaper), a Tang Dynasty copy, in cursive script, also known as "Xie Sima Tie" or "Twenty-Seventh Day Letter," is preserved in the Tianjin Art Museum. This piece was first engraved into the Northern Song Dynasty's "Chunhua Gallery Anthology" and "Da Guan Anthology," and later entered the Southern Song Dynasty's Shaoxing Imperial Collection, marked with "Shaoxing" and the "Shaoxing Secretariat Seal" at both ends. This letter was written by Wang Xizhi to Xie An in his later years, hence containing the line "My appetite is small, and I am weak in strength." The calligraphy of this piece is exquisite, with a harmonious flow, strong yet supple posture, and a deep, flowing style. The brushwork and filling are precise and meticulous, achieving the perfection of form and spirit. "Wang Lue Tie" (Wang's Strategy Letter), a rubbing, in cursive script, also known as "Breaking the Qiang" (Breaking the Qiang), is preserved in the Shanghai Library. This piece originally had an Tang Dynasty copy marked with the Kaiyuan Seal, which was purchased by Mi Fu for 150,000 coins in the Northern Song Dynasty and engraved into the "Baojin Zhai Calligraphy Anthology." Mi Fu was particularly fond of this piece, praising it as "the best calligraphy in the world." The calligraphy of this piece features strict structure, strong and heavy strokes, and fully embodies Wang Xizhi's elegant and carefree spirit. Wang Xizhi's running script has left behind many representative works, including: "Aunt's Letter," "Happy Snow and Clear Sky Letter," "Three Peaceful Letters," "Disorder Letter," "Two Xies Letters," "Received Instructions Letter," "Kong Shizhong Letter," "Frequent Sorrow Letters," "Lanting Preface," "Tang Huairen's Collection of Wang Xizhi's Sacred Teachings," and "Early Extreme Cold Letter." Among these, "Aunt's Letter" is an early work, still retaining the rustic essence of clerical script; "Three Peaceful Letters," "Disorder Letter," "Early Extreme Cold Letter," and "Lanting Preface" are his masterpieces. These works demonstrate a high level of mastery in brushwork, structure, and composition, with a style that is nimble, elegant, and full of spirit, making them the finest examples of Wang's calligraphy. "Aunt's Letter" is a Tang Dynasty copy, treasured by the Liaoning Provincial Museum. "Aunt's Letter" is one of the letters in the "Wansui Tongtian Tie" (also known as "Wang Family Calligraphy"). In the Wansui Tongtian Year (679) of the Tang Dynasty, Wang Xizhi's descendant Wang Fangqing presented ten letters from the Wang family to the court. Empress Wu Zetian highly valued them, using the original works as a blueprint to create a meticulous copy with brushwork and filling, which was kept in the imperial collection and collectively known as "Wansui Tongtian Tie." The original was later returned to Wang Fangqing but was scattered afterward. The "Wansui Tongtian Tie" is a highly renowned copy with extremely precise brushwork, serving as an important reference for studying Eastern Jin Dynasty calligraphy. The copy suffered two fires and was later re-mounted in a disordered sequence, with the works of seven calligraphers, including Wang Xizhi, Wang Hongzhi, and Wang Xuanzhi, still preserved. "Aunt's Letter" retains traces of clerical script, and when compared to Eastern Jin Dynasty bamboo slips, it can be seen that this piece belongs to the old school of Eastern Jin calligraphy, revealing the trajectory of Wang Xizhi's calligraphic development. Yu Su noted: "Ancient simplicity, modern elegance—this is the natural order of things; love for elegance and disdain for simplicity—this is human nature." ("On Calligraphy Table") Sun Guoting stated: "Simplicity arises with the times, elegance changes with customs." ("Calligraphy Spectrum") Wang Xizhi's calligraphy evolved in accordance with the aesthetic trends of his time. "Aunt's Letter" is an early work of Wang Xizhi, appearing more dignified, solemn, and rustic compared to his later works. The overall structure is relatively balanced, with brushwork that carries the essence of clerical script without waves. While there are variations in composition, brushwork, and layout, they are simpler than his later running script, displaying a plain yet refined beauty. "Happy Snow and Clear Sky Letter" is on paper and is preserved in the Taipei Palace Museum. The piece bears the collection and appreciation seals of the Southern Song Emperor Gaozong ("Shaoxing"), the Jin Dynasty Emperor Zhangzong ("Mingchang Imperial Review"), and the Southern Song official Jia Sidao ("Autumn Valley Treasures"), as well as the seals of the Qing emperors Qianlong, Jiaqing, and Xuantong.