Appreciation of Famous Calligraphers' Works 1: Zhao Ji's Regular Script Thousand-Character Classic

Author: Sun Baowen
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2005-07-01
Features: Emperor Huizong of Song, Zhao Ji (1082–1135), was the eleventh son of Emperor Shenzong, Zhao Xu. His older brother, Emperor Zhezong, having no heir, was succeeded by Zhao Ji on the throne. After ascending the throne, Zhao Ji appointed Cai Jing and others to lead the state affairs, engaged in extensive construction projects, imposed heavy taxes, and caused the people to suffer. During his 25-year reign, the national strength gradually declined. In the seventh year of the Xuanhe era, the Jin forces advanced southward, and Zhao Ji abdicated the throne in favor of Zhao Heng, proclaiming himself Retired Emperor. In the second year of the Jingkang era, Zhao Ji was captured by the Jin forces and later died in Wuguocheng. Although incompetent in governance, Zhao Ji was skilled in calligraphy and painting. During his reign, he extensively collected ancient artifacts and artworks, gathered painters, expanded the Hanlin Painting Academy, and commissioned scholars to compile works such as the "Xuanhe Pushe," "Xuanhe Huapu," and "Xuanhe Bogu Tu." His paintings emphasized realism, and surviving works like the "Four Birds Scroll" exhibit a simple yet natural and vivid style. Like many calligraphers, he also enjoyed writing the Thousand-Character Classic. The two surviving ink traces of the classic are as brilliant as twin jade walls, shining with dazzling brilliance and showcasing his extraordinary artistic prowess. His cursive script Thousand-Character Classic follows the style of Huaisu, with flowing brushwork and grand, executed in one continuous stroke. His regular script was influenced by Xue Yang of the Tang Dynasty and, surpassing his master, pushed the art of the "Slender Gold Script" to its peak. This Thousand-Character Classic, preserved in the Shanghai Museum, was written when he was 22 years old during the third year of the Chongning era and presented to Tong Guan. The scroll measures 39.9 cm in height and 322.1 cm in width, with red silk borders and plain paper. Each character is about one inch in size, with ten characters per line and a total of 100 lines. As the renowned contemporary calligrapher and art appraiser Yang Renren has remarked, "The structure of the characters is clear and upright, with sharp and heavy strokes, fine yet vigorous lines, pointed and sharp endings for hooks, and overall a sleek, hard, and refined style. To preserve the original character traces and cater to readers of varying levels, this publication of the Thousand-Character Classic offers both four-color and monochrome printing versions for selection.