Selected Calligraphic Works of the Dynasties Song Su Shi, "Cold Food Observance in Huangzhou"

Author: Jiang Yin
Publisher: Xiling Press
Publication Date: 2004-07-01
Features: The poems depict the miserable and vagrant life of the author during his exile in Huangzhou, soothing his heart and resolving his pent-up emotions. The writing starts with even and elegant strokes, without losing its refinement. Gradually, the heart and hand become more relaxed, the brushwork becomes more unrestrained, with ups and downs and fluctuations. By the second poem, the characters become larger, the brushwork faster, with heavy ink and sharp, firm strokes. The writing is bold and unrestrained, sweeping across the paper like a bamboo breaking through the bamboo forest, fully expressing the sorrow in the heart. The character composition and layout are left natural, wild and unrestrained, as if inspired by the divine. The signature is seven characters, small and in harmony with the beginning. Later, there are large calligraphy inscriptions by Huang Shangu and small calligraphy inscriptions by Dong Qichang, also regarded as fine works. This piece is renowned as the "Third Best Running Script in the World" and is now preserved in the Taipei Palace Museum.