Cai Xiang, courtesy name Junmo. He was originally from Guangzhou, lived in Xianyou (now part of Fujian Province), and moved to Futian. He became a bachelor in Duanming Palace and knew Hangzhou. He was given the posthumous title Zhonghui. Gong Zheng, Xing, Cao, Li Shu, and can also fly white script. He tried to use loose brush to make cursive script, which is called "San Cao" or "Fei Cao". The world ranks Cai Xiang first in running script, second in small regular script, and third in cursive script. Together with Su Shi, Huang Tingjian and Mi Fu, they are collectively known as the "Four Families of the Song Dynasty".
"Hongxian Post"
"Hongxian Tie" on paper, regular script, 31.3 x 42.3cm, collected by the National Palace Museum, Taipei
Explanation: Xiang Qi: Recently, Zeng Mingzhong and Chen Xiang taught Liangtong by hand, and found out the movement, quietness, and health. Everyone in the door was good, and I was happy and comforted! When I arrived in Hong County, the Bianliu River dried up, so I lived there. In the remaining forty days, we have made a land plan and reached Suzhou. However, the journey is tiring and unbearable. The speaker said: The water in the canal must have an end, and it will not last more than a day or two. If there is water, he will arrive in a canoe; if there is no water, he will take the post road and arrive in the capital in time. The large screens of Fujian and Wu were all newly removed, and I wanted to be a Panliu for a long time. After being in the dust of Beijing for a long time, there is no sense of tiredness. The road can be guarded against mosquitoes. The people are hungry and have fresh food. They move to the east. However, in the prefectures and counties, they must be escorted by fake guards, old and young, and be kind. Autumn is cool, but love is heavy, and it is not declared. Xiang paused. Lang Zhongzun, brother. Be empty. August 23, Suzhou.
"Servant Post"
"Records from the Regents", paper 23.3X21.3 cm, Palace Museum, Beijing
Explanation: Xiangbai: Today my servants are returning home. The cold wind invades them, so they lie down until the afternoon. Meng Hui's new cuteness, cherish the feeling, cherish the feeling! I saw a few with my crotch a few days ago, but it was not good. If there is good news, just gallop away. Lord Xiang, I would like to express my gratitude to Your Excellency Taiwei.
"Meng Hui Tie"
"Meng Hui Tie" on paper, 22.7cm x 16.5cm, collected by the Palace Museum, Beijing.
Explanation: Menghui Water Forest Flower has many feelings. The weather is mild and you are in good health. Xiangshang, the Duke is on the left and right of the Taiwei.
"Meng Hui Tie" is a work in regular script. Taking the method of "Lanting Preface" and incorporating Yan Lugong's honest and steady elements, it further expanded the artistic connotation of the Song Dynasty's running script and ruler-slip calligraphy, and brought the art of calligraphy to a new era.
"Tao Sheng's Tie"
"Tao Shengtie" is a cursive Hanzha. Chic and vigorous. The structure is of the correct size, heavy, light and dense, and can be completed according to one's heart. Huang Tingjian said: "Jun Mo Zhenxing's bamboo slips are so beautiful that they can be admitted to the house of Yongxing (Yu Shinan)" is very correct.
Interpretation: Xiang: It is not Tao who is new to Xiji Xinji, but it can still be good. The writing is very fine, and the official script of Henan Province must be written by Sanzhuo. In the past, it was a great thing to benefit from two tubes, and it is still used today. Geng Zi's pure nature is something that can be cherished deeply, and the same is true for people's unpredictability. The servant must return it immediately, and pay attention to it in a hasty manner. On May 11th, Xiangdun first came. The families are well. Traveling in the Chu Dynasty day and night.
"Summer Post"
"Summer Post" 23cm
Explanation: Xiangqi: The summer heat is not as good as Tongye, and the painful thoughts have subsided. The sun sets, the wind blows, the weather is harsh, there is no place to escape, life is so shackles, it's so sad! There are several pieces of fine tea, not one by one. Xiang Shang, the Duke Jin is about to come. How much straightness can a pair of rhinoceros make? If you want to give it a try, the seller wants one hundred and fifty thousand.
"An Dao Tie"
"An Dao Tie", 26.8 cm long and 35.5 cm wide, collected by the National Palace Museum, Taipei
Explanation: Xiang worships again. Since An Dao, he has been in charge of Gui Guan, and he has been in trouble every day. He has not been able to remember the official documents at all times, and he is ashamed to chant Wuji. In the middle, he insulted the book and knew how to move Jing. I have recently heard that the Nong invaders invaded the southwestern barbarians, and I would like to send you a message, which is a good thing. Uncle Yong and Zhihan have stayed in the capital, and Wang Zhongyi is coming. Xiang has invited Quanhui, and he will do it day and night. Being short-witted and careless is of no use to current affairs, and if you return to your hometown with relatives, the rest is beyond your reach. Chunxuan, food and love, not one by one. Xiang worships again, accompanied by the minister of An Dao. Be empty. February 24th.
"Lidu Tie"
"Lidu Tie" 29.2cm X46.8cm Collection of the National Palace Museum, Taipei
This post, also known as "A Letter to Chief Du Jun", was written by Cai Xiang when he was about to cross the Yangtze River and "return to the south". He recalled that he left the capital (Kaifeng) and traveled to Nanjing (today's Shangqiu) and lost his eldest son. A friend wrote to express condolences, and Xiang wrote this book to express his gratitude. The richness and depth of the calligraphy resemble that of Yan Zhenqing, while also possessing the gracefulness of Wang Xizhi's calligraphy. Selected from the volume "Four Calligraphers of the Song Dynasty".
Interpretation: Xiang Qi. From Lidu to Nanjing. The eldest son suffered from typhoid fever for seven days. So I can't bear this disease. It is an honor to return to the south. Unexpectedly, the disaster is like this. Breathtaking thoughts. There is no words to express sorrow. Instructions and letters. And Yongpingxin. It is useful to express sadness. Crossing the river day and night. Not as good as meeting you. Yi Yong's extreme. I would like to express my gratitude. Not one by one. Xiang paused. Commander Du Jun steps down. July 13th. May all your noble family members be well. The old man is fine. Yongping has been delivered. Chixin reported it.
"Book Holding Poster"
This post is a letter from Cai Xiang to a friend. The content of this post is about his poor health at the time. Because it is known that it was written in Fuzhou in the third year of Zhihe (1056), when the author was forty-five years old.
Explanation: Xiang Qi: A few days ago, I sent an envoy with a letter and a halberd, and often invited people to come to the disadvantaged situation. The plan has been straightened out, but what if I haven't checked my respect? It's a good thing when Hui Ran comes. The diseased body is not always at peace, and it is mostly caused by diet. Goat is astringent and tasteless. Although you can only eat three or two taels of it, fish and turtles will suffer from abdominal ailments every time they eat it. This means that your strength is not strong and you have to get used to it over time. Now it is not suitable for ears. There are many things in the book and sea, and there are many feelings! I would like to hold them in my hand and listen to them. Not announced. Xiangshang, the seven guests are the deacons. August 24th. Be empty.
"Xie Lang Tie"
"Xie Lang Tie" 26.5cm X29.1 cm Collection of the National Palace Museum, Taipei
Explanation: Xie Langchun, general aunt and the following are in peace. At the end of the year, Chief Zhu also came to Quanzhou for medical treatment. Today, he takes medicine and feels thin and tired every day. As for personnel, he no longer cares about it. I can't write because I'm dizzy, but I don't have many guests, so I don't have to go in and out. It's understandable that I'm so sentimental. Not one by one. Xiangsong. The tenth day of the first lunar month.
"Athlete's Foot Post"
"Athlete's Foot Notes", running script on paper, 26.9cm x 21.7cm, collected by the National Palace Museum, Taipei.
Explanation: Since April, I have been suffering from athlete's foot and swelling, which has subsided in autumn, so I went north without hesitation, but I have not forgotten the beautiful scenery in the lakes and mountains. Sanqu was asked to read the book, but it was inconvenient, and he still answered from time to time, feeling ashamed and wary. The seal will be handed over on the fourth day of this month, and when the sun comes out, Xiang will go up again.
"Athlete's Foot Tie" and "The First Edition of Shiqu Baoji" are included in the "Album of Calligraphy by Famous Masters of the Song Dynasty", and Cai Shu's "Athlete's Foot Tie" is one of them. The original traces were published in the sixteenth volume of the Forbidden City Weekly. Most of Cai Xiang's calligraphy is in regular script, but this calligraphy is unique in that it is cursive calligraphy. Its writing style is exquisite, smooth, powerful and graceful, making it a masterpiece of Cai Xiang's cursive calligraphy.
