Dong Qichang's Copy of "Tian Ma Fu": With a Postscript by Liu Nahe, Liu Naihe's Copy

Author: Liu Naihe
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-07-01
Features:
Cai Wenji (1051–1107). Northern Song Dynasty calligrapher and painter. Originally named Fu, he changed his name to Wei after the age of 40, styled Yuanzhang, and was known as Haibing Wai Shi, Xiangyang Manshi, Lumen Jushi, etc. Originally from Taiyuan, he moved to Xiangyang and settled in Runzhou (now Zhenjiang, Jiangsu).
Dong Qichang (1555–1636), Ming Dynasty calligrapher and painter. Styled Xuancai, known as Sibai and Xiangshan Jushi. Born in Huating (now Songjiang, Shanghai). This scroll is a copy of Dong Qichang's rendition of Cai Wenji's "Tianma Fu."
The original manuscript and fine edition of Cai Wenji's "Tianma Fu" are both no longer visible. Dong Qichang's scroll here is elegant and unrestrained, natural and effortless, truly a masterpiece of Dong's calligraphy. The poem has 350 characters, with some differences in wording compared to the modern Sanxi edition of Cai Wenji's calligraphy, indicating that it is based on another version of Cai's work.
The scroll was written in the spring of the Jiarong year, which corresponds to the seventh year of the Chongzhen era (1634). It is now 358 years old.
Dong Qichang's calligraphy has been widely preserved, but there are also many imitations and forgeries. This scroll is followed by inscriptions from several renowned Qing Dynasty scholars, showing its long history of transmission and making it a rare authentic piece, truly a representative work of Dong's calligraphy.
Beijing Normal University Press has specially selected and printed this to share with the public, aiming to promote its circulation and showcase the style and characteristics of Dong Qichang's calligraphy for study and reference.
The editor initially declined to include their own works but reconsidered, thinking it might be a fortunate opportunity to seek guidance from experts. Thus, they have presented this as a contribution.