Kang Youwei, Wei Kai, Peach Blossom Spring Records (Calligraphy Masterpieces of Modern Calligraphers)

Author: Kang Yongshu
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2001-03-01
Features:
Record of the Peach Blossom Spring by Tao Yuanming of Jin Dynasty. A man from Zhong and Wuling in Jin Taiyuan made a living by fishing. He went along the stream, forgot how far he had traveled, and suddenly came upon a peach blossom forest. On both banks for hundreds of steps, there were no trees. The fragrant grass was fresh and beautiful, and the fallen petals were scattered in abundance. The fisherman was greatly amazed. Continuing forward, he wanted to reach the end of the forest. When the forest ended, he came upon a mountain. There was a small opening at the top, faintly illuminated by light. He abandoned his boat and entered through the opening. At first, it was extremely narrow, barely wide enough for a person to pass. After walking several dozen steps, it suddenly opened up into a wide area. The land was flat and spacious, with neat houses. There were fertile fields, beautiful ponds, and mulberry and bamboo groves. The paths intersected, and the sounds of chickens and dogs could be heard everywhere. People came and went, farming. The men and women’s clothing were all like those of outsiders. The elders with yellow hair and children with downy hair were all happy and content. When they saw the fisherman, they were greatly surprised. They asked where he came from, and he answered everything in detail. They then invited him to their homes, offering wine and chicken. The villagers heard of his arrival and all came to inquire. They said that their ancestors had fled the chaos of the Qin Dynasty, taking their families and neighbors to this remote place and never leaving again, thus being separated from the outside world. They asked what era it was now, and they didn’t even know about the Han Dynasty, let alone the Wei and Jin periods. The fisherman told them everything he knew, and they were all delighted and lamented. The others also invited him to their homes, offering wine and food. After staying for several days, he bid farewell. The people there said, “Do not tell outsiders about this place.” After leaving, he found his boat and returned along the path he had marked. Everywhere he went, he made notes. When he reached the county seat, he went to see the magistrate and told him about this. The magistrate immediately sent someone to follow him, but they lost the marked path and became lost again. Liu Ziji of Nanyang, a noble and virtuous scholar, heard about this and eagerly went to visit. However, he did not succeed, and soon passed away from illness. After that, no one else went to seek the path.