Zhao Ji Thousand Character Classic

Author: Xinglin Ed.
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-01-01
Features: Zhao Ji (1082-1135), known as Emperor Huizong of Song, was the son of Emperor Shenzong and enfeoffed as Prince Duan during Emperor Zhezong's reign. He reigned from 1100 to 1125. He appointed Cai Jing, Tong Guan, and others to lead the state affairs, indulged in extravagance, built gardens and palaces, and excessively increased taxes, leading to the decline of state governance and peasant uprisings in Hebei and Liangzhe. In the seventh year of Xuanhe (1125), the Jin army invaded southward, and by the end of the year, he abdicated in favor of Zhao Huan (Emperor Qinzong) and declared himself Retired Emperor. In the second year of Jingkang (1127), he was captured by the Jin army and later died in Wuguocheng (now Yilan, Heilongjiang). During his reign, he extensively collected ancient artifacts and calligraphy and painting works, expanded the Hanlin Painting Academy, and had literati compile works such as the "Xuanhe Shupu" (Xuanhe Catalogue of Calligraphy), "Xuanhe Huapu" (Xuanhe Catalogue of Paintings), and "Xuanhe Bogutu" (Xuanhe Collection of Ancient Bronzes), greatly promoting and advocating for painting art. He was skilled in playing musical instruments, calligraphy and painting, singing, and composing poetry and prose. In calligraphy, he created the "Xiaojin Style." He wrote an immense number of works, all of which are now lost. Surviving paintings include "Orchid and Goldfinch," "Autumn Evening by the Pond," "Four Birds," and "Returning Boats on Snowy River." He also left behind a collection of poems titled "Emperor Huizong's Poems." A regular script version of the "Thousand Characters" on paper, measuring 31.2 cm in height and 323.2 cm in width, is preserved in the Shanghai Museum. Written in the third year of Chongning (1104), when Zhao Ji was 22 years old, it is considered an early work. The script is sparse and elegant, with sharp and heavy strokes, fine and vigorous lines, pointed and sharp endings for hooks and strokes, and a whole piece that is vigorous, lean, and strong, forming the distinct characteristics of the Xiaojin style.