Zhao Lingzhi was a renowned poet from the late Northern Song to early Southern Song dynasties, known for his profound literary accomplishments and calligraphic talent. His work, The Tea Grant Postscript, is housed in the Tokyo National Museum in Japan, making it a precious cultural heritage.
Overview of the Work
The Tea Grant Postscript is a work of running script, consisting of fifty-seven characters spread across nine lines. This calligraphy piece showcases Zhao Lingzhi's unique artistic style through its straightforward yet lively brushwork and composition. It subtly reflects the elegance of Dongpo's style while also demonstrating the author's concise literary expression.
Content of the Work
The Tea Grant Postscript is a letter that touches on the tea-granting system of the Song Dynasty, which was a form of Etiquette between monarch and minister. In the letter, Zhao Lingzhi mentions that due to continuous heavy rain, he received greetings and pears and chestnuts as gifts from the other party, for which he expresses gratitude. He also notes that he was fortunate enough to receive tea from the emperor and wishes to offer one cake of it to his esteemed benefactor. The phrase “I hope you cherish this time” in the letter conveys his appreciation for the tea.
About the Author
Zhao Lingzhi (1051-1134) was a poet from the late Northern Song to early Southern Song dynasties, being the great-grandson of Yan Wang Dezhao, the second son of Emperor Taizu. During the Yuanyou period, he served as an official in Yingzhou and was recommended by Su Shi. Later, due to involvement in the Yuanyou political disputes, he was dismissed for ten years. In the early Shaoxing era, he inherited the title of Prince of An Ding and served as the Proclamation Envoy of Ningyuan Army. Despite the hardships in his life, Zhao Lingzhi left a significant mark in Chinese literary history with his literary and calligraphic achievements.
Conclusion
The Tea Grant Postscript is not only a representative work of Zhao Lingzhi's calligraphic art but also an important testament to the tea-granting culture of the Song Dynasty. Through this piece, we can glimpse the social etiquette systems and the refined tastes of scholars at the time. It also demonstrates Zhao Lingzhi's deep cultural cultivation and exceptional artistic skills, making it a treasure in the Chinese calligraphic repertoire.