Wang Yi Zhou Shuang Ji Zhu

Author: Kang Youwei
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2006-01-01
Features: Kang Youwei's Guai Yi Zhou Shuang Ji is one of the most important calligraphy in the late Qing Dynasty, which influenced an entire generation of calligraphic styles. From the year of its publication, it attracted attention from various circles both domestically and internationally. According to the Wan Mu Cao Tang Cong Shu Mu Lu compiled by Zhang Bozhen, the book was completed in the 15th year of the Guangxu reign (1889) and "printed in 18 editions in the Xingmao year (1891). In August of the Wuxu year (1898) and January of the Gengzi year (1900), imperial edicts were issued to destroy the plates." Under the circumstances of the time, printing 18 editions in seven years must be considered a considerable publishing volume. Moreover, after the Qing government ordered the plates destroyed, Guai Yi Zhou Shuang Ji continued to be popular. During Kang Youwei's lifetime alone, Japan reprinted it six times under the title Liu Chao Shu Dao Lun. Modern scholars of calligraphy, regardless of whether they approve or oppose the book, attach great importance to it. This strongly demonstrates the significance of Guai Yi Zhou Shuang Ji in the field of calligraphy studies. The reason Guai Yi Zhou Shuang Ji was banned was not because it itself offended the Qing government, but because its author, Kang Youwei, was a leader of the far-reaching historical impact of the "Wuxu Reform." Of course, from an ideological perspective, Guai Yi Zhou Shuang Ji indeed reflects Kang Youwei's progressive spirit in abandoning old habits and forging new paths.