Selected Calligraphic Works of Dynasties Yuan Dynasty: Zhao Mengfu's "The Red Cliff Ode"

Author: Jiang Yin
Publisher: Xiling Press
Publish Date: 2004-07-01
Features: Su Shi's "Preface and Postface to the Red Cliff Odes" is a celebrated masterpiece in the history of ancient Chinese prose and poetry, as well as a renowned piece frequently copied by calligraphers. Zhao Mengfu's rendition of this work, whether in terms of brushwork technique or ink and brush charm,best state. Additionally, he devoutly created a portrait of Su Shi at the beginning of the scroll (this portrait became a classic among all later depictions of Su Shi), revealing his deep reverence for the great literary master Su Shi while fully showcasing his exceptional artistic talent. Zhao Mengfu (1254-1322), styled Ziyang, was also known as Songxue Dao Ren and Shuijing Gong Dao Ren. He was the eleventh-generation descendant of Emperor Taizu of Song, and due to his ancestors' granted residence in Wuguang, he became associated with Wuxing. After the establishment of the Yuan Dynasty, he was recommended by Cheng Juquan and rose through the ranks to become the Chief Scholar of the Hanlin Academy and a Peerage of Honor. During his lifetime, he served five dynasties, held the highest rank, and was renowned throughout the land. Upon his death, he was posthumously honored as Duke of Wei and posthumously titled Wenmin. He authored works such as "Songxue Zhai Ji" and others. Zhao Mengfu was the most influential calligrapher of his time, often regarded as the "Hawkeye of the Yuan Dynasty calligraphy scene" and a great moral educator of the era. The "History of the Yuan Dynasty" records: "Zhao Mengfu excelled in seal, clerical, regular, running, and cursive scripts, surpassing all predecessors and contemporaries, and thus gained fame as a calligrapher nationwide. He drew from various sources, integrating and mastering them. In his early years, he studied the calligraphy of Emperor Gaozong of Song and Zhao Gou, while in middle age, he learned from Zhong Xi and Xie Xuan and Wang Xizhi. Additionally, he drew inspiration from Zhi Yong, Yu Shennan, and Li Yong, truly synthesizing the achievements of previous generations. He was also a diligent calligrapher, practicing without rest throughout his life, leaving behind an immense body of work that was innumerable. 'The Essay on Solitary Living' is among his finest creations."