Calligraphy of the "Thousand Characters" by Emperor Huizong and Emperor Gaozong of the Song Dynasty: Famous Steles and Calligraphic Manuscripts of Past Dynasties

Author: (Song) Song Huizong
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-04-01
Features: Song Huizong Zhao Ji was a foolish and incompetent feudal emperor, ruling for twenty-five years. He dismissed upright officials, promoted treacherous ones, indulged in extravagance and debauchery, neglected state affairs, and ultimately faced the downfall of his country and personal disgrace, dying in the northern region. However, he possessed exceptional talent in art and was a highly skilled calligrapher and painter. His calligraphy had a refined style and unique charm. His cursive script was vigorous, unrestrained, and full of vitality, deeply embodying the essence of [Crazy Xu and Mad Su]. His regular script drew inspiration from Tang Dynasty's Xue Ji, learned from Huang Tingjian, and was fundamentally rooted in Chu Suiliang. He achieved richness andness within thinness and hardness, forming a clear, sharp, and distinctive style, which he called [Lean Gold Script]. Song Huizong's regular script "Thousand Characters" is a representative work of his Lean Gold Script, and later generations regarded this piece as the [] (origin) of Lean Gold Script.
Emperor Gaozong Zhao Gou was the ninth son of Song Huizong. He ascended the throne in Jiankang when the two emperors Huizong and Qin Zhen were captured in the north. Later, he moved south to Lin'an, establishing a temporary and dependent regime, becoming a historically infamous king who surrendered and sought peace. He achieved great skill in calligraphy and painting, once self-evaluating: [Since the Jin and Wei dynasties to the Six Dynasties, I have imitated all calligraphic styles, some simple and scattered, some dry and thin, some vigorous without returning, or outstanding and unique, covering all styles with my brush, while preserving simplicity in my choices.]
This "Thousand Characters" was written by Emperor Gaozong in the twenty-third year of the Shaoxing era. The piece is spacious, flowing, yet firm and elegant, showcasing his finest running script.