The Four Calligraphers of the Song Dynasty are the four masters of calligraphy: Su Shi, Huang Tingjian, Mi Fu, and Cai Xiang, referred to as Su Huang and Mi Cai. Each of them has excellent calligraphy and is the representative of Shangyi calligraphy in the Song Dynasty.
Su Shi (1037-1101), courtesy name Zizhan, also known as Dongpo Jushi, was a native of Meishan, Sichuan. A famous writer, calligrapher and painter in the Northern Song Dynasty. A bold and unrestrained poet, one of the eight great poets of the Tang and Song dynasties. He, his father Su Xun, and his younger brother Su Zhe are famous for their poetry and prose, and are known as the "Three Sus" in the world.
Huang Tingjian (1045-1105), whose courtesy name was Lu Zhi, was also known as Shangu Daoren. Later generations called him Huang Shangu, later known as Fu Weng. He was a native of Fenning, Hongzhou (now Xiushui, Jiangxi). Poet and calligrapher of the Northern Song Dynasty. In the fourth year of Emperor Yingzong's reign (1067), he became a Jinshi. In the third year of Xining reign of Shenzong (1070), Wang Anshi became prime minister. The implementation of the new law was fiercely opposed by the conservatives headed by Sima Guang. Later, the struggle between the old and new parties intensified and lasted until the fall of the Northern Song Dynasty. In this struggle, Huang Tingjian stood on the side of the old party. Although he did not actively participate in this struggle, he was always involved in the vortex of struggle throughout his life.
Mi Fu (1051-1107) was named Yuanzhang and was named Xiangyang Manshi, Haiyue Waishi, and Lumen Jushi. His ancestral home is Taiyuan, Shanxi, and he later settled in Zhenjiang, Jiangsu. Because of his weird personality and crazy behavior, he called him "brother" when he met a stone and worshiped him endlessly, so he was called "Midian". Huizong was awarded a doctorate in calligraphy and painting, and was known as "Minan Guan". Mi Fu is good at poetry and prose, is good at calligraphy and painting, and is a calligrapher, painter, connoisseur, and collector. He is second to none among the "Four Calligraphers of the Song Dynasty". His calligraphy style is casual and unrestrained, but also strict with the law. "History of the Song Dynasty·Wenyuan Biography" said: "Fu is particularly wonderful in calligraphy and ink, calm and flying, and captures Wang Xian's brushstrokes."
Cai Xiang (1012-1067), courtesy name Junmo, Xinghua (now Xianyou, Fujian) He was a Jinshi in the eighth year of Tiansheng's reign (1030). He served in the central government of the Song Dynasty as a Collector, Zhijianyuan, Zhishiguan, Zhizhigao, Longtuge, Privy Council, Hanlin, and Duanshi. He held the title of Bachelor of Ming Dynasty and served as the transfer envoy of Fujian Road (now Fuzhou City, Fujian Province). He knew the affairs of Quanzhou, Fuzhou, Kaifeng (now Kaifeng City, Henan Province) and Hangzhou. After his death, he was given the posthumous title of "Zhonghui" as Minister of Rites. Loyal, honest, trustworthy, and knowledgeable. In fact, the Cai in "Su Huang Mi Cai" is not Cai Xiang, but Cai Jing. Cai Jing's level is higher than Cai Xiang's, just because Cai Jing is a famous traitor. They wiped him out and replaced him with Cai Xiang, who was a level lower than the other three.