Xi-zhi Wang and his style of calligraphy
Preface to the Collection of Poems at the Orchid Gazebo
Wang, Xi-zhi 1 (321-379 CE)
At the beginning of late Spring in 353, we held the cleaning ceremony to
expel evil influences 2 at the Orchid Gazebo in Shan-yin City
3
of Gui-ji County. Many virtuous scholars arrived; the old and young gathered
together. There are precipitous mountains, lush woods, as well as slender and
tall bamboo plants in this city. There are also clean rapids surrounding the
gazebo like a bright belt. An inlet channel winds through the gazebo. We sat
beside the channel and let wine cups float on the water. Each of us drank the
wine from the cup that stopped in front of him. Although we had no music,
drinking a cup of wine or improvising a poem was sufficient to freely express
our exquisite feelings.
It was a fine day. The fresh air and cool breeze were pleasant. Looking up at
the heavens, we were amazed at the grandeur of the universe. Looking down, we
discovered a great variety in nature. As our vision traveled, we gave free rein
to our mind so that we may entertain our eyes and ears to the utmost. It was a
great pleasure indeed.
People who live in this world interact with each other. Some love to tell
friends privately about their ambitions. Others live in their own philosophy and
do not care about how people look at them. Although people have different
interests and dispositions, when they find something they like and are pleased
with themselves, they will no longer feel the constraints of time as happiness
consumes them. However, as they reach a stage in which they have become tired of
their pursuits and their passions have faded with their experiences, they cannot
but be affected by painful recollections.
4
That which used to be their pride
quickly recedes to the past. In hindsight, they may even wonder whether they
would like to repeat their past if they were given another chance. Although a
person's life span is dictated by the Creator, everyone must die eventually as
one would expect. There is an old Chinese saying: Birth and death mean a great
deal. How can we not lament our doomed fate?
Every time I study the motive of past writers, it seems to come from the same
origin. I wonder why I always grieve and sigh when reading their essays. Of
course, it is false to identify life with death 5. It is also
improper to consider Peng-zu's longevity 6 and short life the same
7.
The future generations will see us in the same light as we view past
generations. It is tragic. Therefore, I listed the guests of the party and
recorded their poems. In the future, although the time and the occasion may be
different, the same passion to create will persist. The future readers may also
have an emotional response to this essay.
Notes
1 Yi-shao was Xi-zhi Wang's alternate first name. He was a native of Lin-yi City
in Lang-ye County (in present day Shandong Province) during the Eastern Jin
dynasty. He was appointed to several positions in succession: Secretary of the
Bureau of Archives, Senior Scribe, Commander of Ning-yuan District, Mayor of
Jiu-zhou City, General of the Right Army, and Interior Scribe at Gui-ji County. General Xi-zhi Wang was the Father of Chinese Calligraphy. In order to
perfect his writing of the Chinese character
永 alone, he had to practice eight
years because the character contains eight different strokes.
It may seem strange to western readers that many ancient Chinese writers were
either generals or mayors. Education in ancient China included civics, music,
archery, literature, mathematics, and military studies. Scholars were paid by
the government for their services in the military or politics. To acquire these
positions one had to pass some exams to show that he had received a good
education.
2 In ancient times, on the third day of the third month in the Chinese lunar
calendar, Chinese people went to a river to cleanse their belongings to expel
evil influences.
3 Shan-yin City was located in present day Shao-xing-xian City in Zhejiang
Province. Shao-xing-xian City is famous for producing wine.
4 The translations of the two passages done in calligraphy and shown above in the illustration are in red font in this text. Note that an ancient Chinese essay did not include punctuation.
5 "Treating Everything the Same", written by Zhou Zhuang (ca. 369-286 BCE), says,
"How do I know that it is not a mistake to fear death? How do I know if one who fears death is not the
one who will die soon and who has not yet had the courage to face it?
… How do I know if the deceased regret that
they prayed for life?"
6 According to Chinese mythology, Peng-zu was an ancient who lived 800 years.
7 "Treating Everything the Same", written by Zhou Zhuang, says, "No one lives
longer than those who die at less than twenty years of age. Peng-zu died young."
