Song Huizong, Song Gaozong's calligraphy of the Thousand Characters--Famous Steles and Manuscripts Through the Ages

Author: (Song) Emperor Huizong of Song, (Song) Emperor Gaozong of Song
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2005-04-01
Features: Emperor Huizong Zhao Ji was a foolish and incompetent feudal emperor who ruled for twenty-five years. He dismissed upright officials, promoted treacherous ministers, 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 accomplished calligrapher and painter. His calligraphy had a refined style and unique charm. His cursive script was vigorous, unrestrained, and full of vitality, capturing the essence of [Crazy Xu, Mad Sun, and Unruly Su]. His regular script drew inspiration from Tang Dynasty calligrapher Xue Ji and also learned from Huang Tingjian, yet it was fundamentally rooted in the style of Chu Suiliang. He achieved richness andness within thinness and hardness, forming a clear, sharp, and abrupt style, which he called [Slim Gold Script]. Emperor Huizong's regular script "Thousand Characters" is a representative work of his Slim Gold Script, and later generations regarded this as the origin of the [Slim Gold Script].
Emperor Gaozong Zhao Gou was the ninth son of Emperor Huizong. He ascended the throne in Jiankang when the two emperors Huizong and Qin were captured in the north. Later, he moved south to Lin'an, establishing a precarious regime of partial dependence. He was historically known as a king who surrendered and sought through compromise. He had high attainments in the art of calligraphy and once self-evaluated: [Since the Jin and Wei dynasties to the Six Dynasties, I have copied all calligraphic styles, some simple and scattered, some dry and thin, some vigorous without returning, or outstandingly unique, covering all styles in my brushwork, while the essence remains in my selection.]
This "Thousand Characters" was written by Emperor Gaozong in the twenty-third year of the Shaoxing era. The scroll is spacious, flowing, yet firm and elegant, showcasing his finest running script.