From Oct. 10 to Nov. 20, the National Palace Museum presents a total of 17 works composed between the Eastern Chin dynasty (317-420) and Tang dynasty (618-907). The masterpieces were chosen in order to illustrate the historic development of Chinese calligraphy with each item representing an unique style. Seven of these calligraphies are seldom displayed, including three copies of the great calligrapher Wang Hsi-chih's (303-361) renowned works--"Timely Clearing after Snowfall," "Ping-an, Ho-ju, and Feng-chu," and "Yuan-huan," which the museum is showing together for the first time. Wang is honored as the "Sage of Calligraphy," but none of his works have survived. Therefore, these high-quality copies created during the Tang dynasty offer a rare chance to experience Wang's art. "Timely Clearing after Snowfall" is a short letter in which Wang sends greetings to a friend from southern China where the calligrapher had just escaped to flee the war in the north. The artist also rejoices at the good weather and reveals his wish to settle down in the region. (Courtesy of the NPM)
Write to Amber Wu at amber0207@mail.gio.gov.tw