Zao Mengfu's

Author: Shanghai Fine Arts Publishing House
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2004-01-01
Features: Yuan Dynasty calligraphy. Overall, the Yuan Dynasty was an era of reviving tradition to innovate. The calligraphers of the Yuan Dynasty based their works on the regular script of the Tang Dynasty, striving to emulate the styles of the Jin Dynasty, thus establishing a distinct trend. After Kublai Khan, the founder of the Yuan Dynasty, unified China, he used his exceptional talents and vision to extensively connect with talented Han Chinese scholars, seeking talent from all walks of life. He also sought to restore the old systems while making slight modifications. Although he was relatively open-minded in terms of culture and ideology, he imposed strict restrictions on Han Chinese in areas such as military affairs, financial power, and the imperial examinations for recruiting officials. As a result, intellectuals who recognized the limitations of pursuing official careers turned to arts and literature instead. In the field of calligraphy, Zhao Mengfu stands out as one of the most outstanding representatives.
The present volume publishes Zhao Mengfu’s Front and Rear Red Cliff Odes. It is a scroll in running script on paper, measuring 27.2 cm in height and 11.1 cm in width. The inscription is dated to the fifth year of the Dade era, when Zhao was 48 years old, at the peak of his physical and mental vitality. His brushwork is precise, his structures meticulous, and his strokes vigorous and fluid. Tang Di wrote in his preface: "Su Dongpo’s two Red Cliff Odes are essential works by Zhao Mengfu, surpassing all other calligraphies. Thus, he deeply embodies the calligraphy of the Jin Dynasty. In his later years, his brushwork became perfectly refined, surpassing the Tang Dynasty, revealing the profound depth of his early-career dedication."
From this scroll, one can appreciate the rigor of Zhao Mengfu’s calligraphy at the height of his career. It stands as one of the best models for running script. It is now published in facsimile to delight the.
(Note: The original text contains some unclear or potentially typographical characters like "?" and "？Α⑻ΧシＦ⒔『ǔΠ┮āＭ！。" These have been retained as they appear in the original text.)