Selected Calligraphic Works of Past Generations Yuan Dynasty: Zhao Mengfu's "Collection of Letter Forms"

Author: Jiang Yin, edited by Mo Xiaobu
Publisher: Xiling Press
Publication Date: 2004-07-01
Features: The album features the letters of Zhao Mengfu, titled "Zhizhuo Zhongfeng Mingben," collected by the Palace Museum in Taipei. It includes eleven letters: "Wumen," "Suchen," "Shangshan," "Nanhui," "Zuimeng," "Liangshu," "Huaishan," "Rucheng," "Danyao," "Chenshi," and "Chuji." These are letters written by Zhao Ziyang in his later years to the Zen master Zhongfeng. At that time, Zhao was frail and ill, and his wife had passed away. Zhongfeng Zen master was Zhao's spiritual pillar during this period, and thus his letters are filled with profound sorrow and grief. Compared to Zhao's other writings, these letters, apart from their mastery, possess a clarity and freshness, devoid of any tendency toward "delicate and enchanting" qualities. If the format and writing process of letters naturally tend to be "natural," "lively," and "effortless," then Zhao Mengfu did not deviate toward clumsiness, simplicity, rawness, sharpness, spontaneity, or ugliness, but rather achieved the effect of "the autumn water emerging from the lotus, naturally free of ornamentation."
Zhao Mengfu (1254–1322), styled Ziyang, was also known as the Snow Pine Daoist and the Water Essence Palace Daoist. He was the eleventh-generation descendant of Emperor Taizu of Song, and as his ancestors were granted residences in Wu Guang, he became known as a native of Wu Xing. After the establishment of the Yuan Dynasty, he was recommended by Cheng Juanguan and entered government service, rising to the position of Academician of the Hanlin Academy and Duke of Honor. During his lifetime, he was favored by five dynasties, held the highest rank, and was renowned throughout the land. Upon his death, he was posthumously honored as Duke of Wei and posthumously titled Wenmin. He authored works such as the "Song Xue Zhai Collection." Zhao Mengfu was one of the most influential calligraphers of his time, often referred to as the "archer of the Gao family" on the Yuan Dynasty calligraphy scene and a great educator of the era. The "Biography of Zhao Mengfu" in the "History of the Yuan Dynasty" states: "Zhao Mengfu excelled in all calligraphic styles— Seal, Clerical, Regular, Running, and Cursive—surpassing all predecessors and contemporaries, and thus gained fame for his calligraphy throughout the world." He drew from diverse traditions, integrating and mastering them. In his early years, he studied the calligraphy of Emperor Gaozong of Song; in his middle years, he learned from Zhong You and Xie An and Xuan Sheng. Additionally, he took inspiration from Zhi Yong, Yu Shidao, and Li Yong, truly synthesizing the achievements of calligraphers from previous generations. He was also a diligent calligrapher, practicing without ceasing throughout his life, leaving behind an immense body of work that is countless. "The Essay on Solitary Living" is among his finest creations.