logo

Eyes to behold stunning artworks in world-class museums.

Calligraphy in National Palace Museum, Song dynasty

3 min read
Calligraphy in National Palace Museum, Song dynasty

Welcome to the National Palace Museum's collection of calligraphy from the Song dynasty! Here you will find works by some of the most influential calligraphers in Chinese history, including Zhu Xi, Lu You, Su Shih, Huang T'ing-chien, Mi Fu, and Ts'ai Hsiang. These works range from commentaries on the Book of Changes to letters to Prefect Yuanbo and Officer-Gentleman Tu, as well as poems and calligraphy of the Four Song Masters. Come explore these amazing artifacts and appreciate the beauty of Chinese calligraphy today!

1. Commentary on the Book of Changes

Zhu Xi was a Chinese philosopher who lived in the 12th century. He is known for his work in the philosophy of Neo-Confucianism.

2. Letter to Prefect Yuanbo (In a Pure Autumn)

Lu You was a talented scholar who excelled at poetry and prose. His works had an unusual quality of splendor full of dramatic sentiment. He was the most important poet of the Southern Song period. Lu wrote this letter in the Qiandao sixth year (1170) to his friend, Zeng Feng.

3. Letter to the Commandery Administrator Huizhi (In the Depths of Autumn)

Zhu Xi writes to the people of Tanzhou about the government affairs that need to be addressed. He also mentions the death of Retired Emperor Xiaozong and the ascension of Emperor Guangzong. The letter is written with smooth, flowing lines.

4. Calligraphy of the Four Song Masters

This handscroll has four sections, each with a different example of Northern Song calligraphy. The first section is the "Haiyu" modelbook, a letter written by Cai Xiang in his thirties.

5. The Cold Food Observance

Su Shih, who was from Szechwan, is probably best known by his nickname, Tung-p'o. He was a bold scholar-official who was accused of literary slander and banished from the capital.

6. Poem in Seven-character Verse

Huang T'ing-chien (style name Lu-chih; sobriquet Fu-weng) was a native of Fen-ning, Kiangsi. At the age of 23, he received his Presented Scholar (chin-shih) civil service degree.

7. Poem

Chao Chi was the eighth emperor of the Sung dynasty and ruled from 1101 to 1125. He was known for his extravagant lifestyle, which is believed to be part of the reason for the near collapse of the dynasty and his own demise at enemy hands.

8. On Szechwan Silk

Mi Fu was an official, poet, painter, and calligrapher during the Northern Sung period. He was known as one of the Four Sung Masters of calligraphy, along with Ts'ai Hsiang, Su Shih, and Huang T'ing-chien.

9. Letter to Officer-Gentleman Tu

Ts'ai Hsiang was a gifted calligrapher who studied the style of Yü Shih-nan, Yen Chen-ch'ing, and the styles of Chin dynasty masters.

Other Curio in National Palace Museum, part2

Other Curio in National Palace Museum, part2

Welcome to the National Palace Museum's collection of curios! Here you can explore some of the most unique and interesting artifacts from China's imperial past. Our collection includes a Round Box with Peony Decor Filled-In Lacquerware, a Cloisonne Box with Lotus Decoration, a Glass Inside-Painted Snuff Bottle with a Traveling Scene and a Pair of "Bovet" Pocket Watches with Pearls and Painted Enamel. These pieces are all incredibly detailed and tell us about the culture and lifestyle of people d
-2 min read
Other Curio in National Palace Museum, part1

Other Curio in National Palace Museum, part1

Welcome to the National Palace Museum's collection of curios! Here, you can explore some of the most unique and interesting artifacts from China's imperial past. We have a variety of different curios on display here, including a Brush Holder with Letter-reading Scene, a Silver Raft Cup of "Zhang Qian Riding a Raft" with the mark of Zhu Bishan, Ivory Balls of nested concentric layers with human figures in openwork relief, a Ch'in (Chinese unfretted zither) and a Copper-body Painted Enamel Snuff B
-8 min read
Curio in National Palace Museum, Qing dynasty (1644-1911) part1

Curio in National Palace Museum, Qing dynasty (1644-1911) part1

Welcome to the National Palace Museum's collection of curios from the Qing dynasty! This collection features some of the most unique and interesting artifacts from this period, including a Planter with a coral carving of the planetary deity Kuixing, a Gilt flint case with coral-and-turquoise inlay (with carved lacquer box and Qianlong reign mark), a Bamboo Water Container in the Shape of a Lotus Leaf with signature of Zhu Sansong, a Champleve Box with Filigree Work, an Ivory Four-tiered Food-Car
-5 min read