Wang Yi Zhou Shuang Ji Note. Detailed Illustrated Edition

Author: Kang Youwei (Qing Dynasty), annotated by Cui Erping
Publisher:
Publication Date: 2006-01-01
Features: Kang Youwei's Guai Yi Zhou Shuang Ji is one of the most important calligraphy monographs of the late Qing Dynasty, which profoundly influenced an entire generation of calligraphic styles. From the year of its publication, it attracted attention from various circles both domestically and internationally. According to the Wan Mu Cao Tang Cong Shu Mu Lu compiled by Zhang Bozhen, the book was completed in the 15th year of the Guangxu reign (1889) and "printed eighteen editions in the Xingmao year (1891). In the eighth month of the Wuxu year (1898) and the first month of the Gengzi year (1900), it was ordered to be destroyed by false decrees." Under the circumstances of that time, printing eighteen editions in seven years cannot be considered insignificant. Moreover, after the Qing government ordered the destruction of the plates, Guai Yi Zhou Shuang Ji continued to be popular. During Kang Youwei's lifetime alone, Japan reprinted it six times under the title Liu Chao Shu Dao Lun. Modern calligraphers, regardless of whether they approve or oppose the book, attach great importance to it. This strongly demonstrates the significance of Guai Yi Zhou Shuang Ji in the field of calligraphy studies. The reason Guai Yi Zhou Shuang Ji was banned was not because it itself offended the Qing government, but because its author, Kang Youwei, was a leader of the far-reaching historical impact of the "Wuxu Reform." Of course, from an ideological perspective, Guai Yi Zhou Shuang Ji indeed reflects Kang Youwei's progressive spirit in abandoning old habits and forging new paths.