Calligraphy in National Palace Museum, Song dynasty

Welcome to the National Palace Museum's collection of calligraphy from the Song dynasty! Here, you can explore some of the most beautiful and intricate works of art from this period. You will find commentaries on the Book of Changes, letters to prefects and administrators, calligraphy of the four Song masters, the Cold Food Observance, poems in seven-character verse, poems by Emperor Hui-tsung, On Szechwan Silk and a letter to Officer-Gentleman Tu. These pieces are all unique and provide us with a glimpse into the culture of the time. Come take a look at these amazing artifacts today!

1. Commentary on the Book of Changes

Zhu Xi was a Chinese philosopher who lived in the 12th century. He was a major proponent of the philosophy known as Lixue, and wrote many works on the subject.

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

Lu You was a talented and untrammeled scholar who excelled at poetry and prose. This letter is concrete evidence of Lu's studying the calligraphy of both Yan and Su. The style is plump but dynamic, following his convention in letters written after his middle years.

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

Zhu Xi talks about the government affairs to be addressed in Tanzhou. He mentions the death of Retired Emperor Xiaozong in the sixth month of that year. Zhu Xi had the opportunity to go to court and serve as an Instructor, bringing him joy.

4. Calligraphy of the Four Song Masters

The first section of this handscroll is the "Haiyu" modelbook, a letter written by Cai Xiang. This letter is an excellent example of Northern Song calligraphy in the style of Yan Zhenqing (709-785).

5. The Cold Food Observance

Su Shih, a Chinese poet, was banished from the capital after being accused of slander. Although he faced many challenges throughout his career, he is still considered one of the greatest poets of all time.

6. Poem in Seven-character Verse

Huang T'ing-chien was a native of Fen-ning, Kiangsi. At the age of 23, he became a Presented Scholar, which meant he could work in the civil service.

7. Poem

Hui-tsung was the eighth emperor of the Sung dynasty. He is known for his extravagant lifestyle, which is believed to be part of the reason for the near collapse of the dynasty. Hui-tsung was also known for his passion for painting, calligraphy, poetry, and prose.

8. On Szechwan Silk

Mi Fu, a native of Hsiang-yang in Hupeh province, was an official, poet, painter, calligrapher, and collector in the Northern Sung period. He was known as one of the Four Sung Masters of calligraphy.

9. Letter to Officer-Gentleman Tu

Ts'ai Hsiang, a native of Hsien-yu in Hsing-hua, went by the style name Chün-mo. A Presented Scholar of 1030, he served in government and was renowned for his straightforward speech and courage in remonstrating.