The Four Calligraphers of the Song Dynasty are the collective name of the four calligraphers Su Shi, Huang Tingjian, Mi Fu and Cai Xiang during the Northern Song Dynasty in China.
The Four Calligraphers of the Song Dynasty are the collective name of the four calligraphers Su Shi, Huang Tingjian, Mi Fu and Cai Xiang during the Northern Song Dynasty in China. These four people can roughly represent the calligraphy style of the Song Dynasty, and they have the highest achievements, so they are called the "Four Families of the Song Dynasty".
Since the Ming and Qing Dynasties, some people believe that the "Cai" in the Four Song Dynasties should originally be Cai Jing. Later generations despised him, so they replaced Cai Jing with Cai Xiang, and believed that Cai Xiang's artistic achievements were due to Cai Jing. above.
Introduction to character disputes:
In the history of calligraphy, when it comes to the calligraphy of the Song Dynasty, there are four great calligraphers: Su, Huang, Mi and Cai. They are considered to be the calligraphers of the Song Dynasty. Typical representative of calligraphy style. Among the "Four Song Schools", the first three refer to Su Shi (Dongpo), Huang Tingjian (Fu Weng) and Mi Fu (Xiangyang Manshi).
From the perspective of calligraphy style, Su Shi is plump and innocent; Huang Tingjian is vertical and horizontal, high-spirited and hidden; Mi Fu is handsome and bold, calm and happy. They were all good at learning from the ancients and full of innovative spirit. Their calligraphy style was unique and highly praised by people at that time. They were listed among the four schools without any objection. Only "Cai", who is listed at the bottom of the four families, refers to whom, but there has always been controversy.
It is generally believed that the so-called Cai refers to Cai Xiang (Jun Mo). His calligraphy is based on the Jin and Tang Dynasties, and pays attention to ancient meanings and laws. Its regular script is dignified and calm, its running script is pure and graceful, and its cursive script uses the Feibai method, which is called "scattered grass". It is self-contained and very exquisite. Song Renzong especially loved his calligraphy. He once "made the inscription on the inscription of his uncle King Longxi of the Yuan Dynasty and ordered it to be written on it", and "had the calligraphy warmed up to become the inscription on his father's inscription" ("History of the Song Dynasty: Biography of Cai Xiang").
Cai Xiang's calligraphy art was also valued by literati at that time. Huang Tingjian once said: "Su Zimei and Cai Junmo are both heroes of calligraphy." ("Valley Collection") Ouyang Xiu said: "Junmo is alone in the world, but he is humble. Refuse to lead the alliance." ("Ouyang Wenzhong Gongji")
Su Wu pointed out in "Dongpo Inscriptions and Postscripts": "Ducai Junmo is highly talented, has profound knowledge, and has endless perversions. So he is the first in this dynasty." Since he is "the first in this dynasty", and since his calligraphy can be "the leader of the alliance", then it is well deserved to be listed among the four.