In Chinese history, two renowned artistic emperors stand out: one is Li Yu, the ruler of the Southern Tang dynasty, known as the "Saint of Poetry," who also excelled in music and dance. His line "For forty years, our home and nation, three thousand miles of rivers and mountains" has become an eternal classic.
The other one is Emperor Huizong of Song, Zhao Ji (1082-1135), the eighth emperor of the Northern Song dynasty, who was skilled in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting, making him an artistic exemplar for future generations.
Emperor Huizong ascended the throne at 18 years old in 1100 with the reign title "Daguan" and later changed it to "Zhenghe." His life was marked by ups and downs, including being captured by the Jin invaders at the age of 45 during the Jingkang Incident, losing his family, and dying in exile at the age of 54 in Wuguocheng, Heilongjiang.
Zhao Ji was a charming and elegant figure with a love for art. He led a life full of song, dance, poetry, and revelry, occasionally indulging in amorous adventures. He is reminiscent of the hedonistic dandies of modern times. For the past 900 years, his romantic story with the famous courtesan Li Shishi has remained a popular topic of discussion.
The historian Yuan Tuotuo's evaluation of him in the History of Song states, "He was capable in all things except ruling as a monarch." Life is short, and it is unfortunate when talent and position are mismatched. Born into the imperial family (his father was Emperor Shenzong of Song), he became emperor at 18 due to his brother (Emperor Zhezong of Song) having no heirs. He assumed the throne without ever having been trained as the heir apparent and without experience in the ways of governing. His fate as a ruler seemed predestined to be filled with misfortune.
The Northern Song dynasty had enjoyed a century of prosperity and peace. However, the young emperor, who had never been a crown prince and had not learned the ways of an emperor, was fond of painting, music, and revelry. His life led him away from the responsibilities of ruling, leading to predictable outcomes.
Emperor Huizong's recognized artistic achievements include three main aspects:
- *Slender Gold Calligraphy*: Huizong loved calligraphy from a young age and innovated on the styles of Huang Tingjian and Xue Ji. His Slender Gold calligraphy style became highly esteemed in later generations. The style is characterized by slenderness, firmness, and elegance. The lines are tightly drawn, radiating in all directions. The strokes are concise and sharp, and there is a notable focus on transitions and pauses, creating angular shapes and a "crane's foot" effect. The overall style is clear, graceful, and full of flair. For those interested, you can visit the Hong Kong Palace Museum to see his "Summer Day Poems" written in Slender Gold script.
2. *Meticulous Flower and Bird Paintings*: Huizong's flower and bird paintings are exceptional in their sense of depth and meticulous detail. His works such as "Picture of Literary Gathering," "Plum Blossoms and Wild Birds," and "Hibiscus and Golden Pheasants" are vivid, lifelike, and ingeniously crafted.
3. *Ru Kiln Porcelain*: As an artist-emperor, Huizong cared deeply about the porcelain used in the palace. Upon taking the throne, he chose Ru kiln porcelain for exclusive use in the Forbidden City. Ru kiln porcelain features simple designs and a heavenly blue glaze with a jade-like texture. Additionally, the use of agate in the glaze allows for color changes at different angles and lighting conditions, resulting in the phrase, "After the rain, when the sky clears, all colors emerge." The smooth, tranquil, yet variable colors are highly esteemed.
The official kiln in Kaifeng, established during Huizong's reign, was a national kiln factory that primarily produced porcelain for the worship of heaven and earth. Its wares were characterized by antique shapes and steady designs. The official kiln opened large areas, with purple rims and iron bases, creating smooth textures. Unfortunately, to this day, the exact site of the kiln has not been found. Due to changes in the Yellow River's course, the site may be buried under the river, with no known time frame for when it will be rediscovered.
In the History of Song, it is written, "Since ancient times, rulers who indulge in extravagance and luxury often lose their ambition and discipline, leading to their downfall. Huizong was a prime example of this." Huizong's artistic achievements were remarkable and unparalleled, but his focus on entertainment and neglect of state affairs, along with his reliance on unscrupulous officials, led to hardships for the people and his eventual capture and humiliation in defeat. Otherwise, his historical standing would have been higher and more positive.
Author
Mr. Robert T Li graduated from the Economics Department of the University of Hong Kong and has served as the Head of Liability Insurance in the Greater China region for an international insurance company. He has a passion for traditional Chinese culture and enjoys collecting art. He is actively involved in promoting awareness of traditional Chinese culture, music, and art among young people. He can be contacted at litaichai@gmail.com.
Uploaded on 2024.4.13