OFFICIALS OF THE NORTHERN SONG (11TH/12TH CENTURY)

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OFFICIALS OF THE NORTHERN SONG (11TH/12TH CENTURY)

A RARE AND IMPORTANT HANDSCROLL COMPRISING CORRESPONDENCE BY EIGHT OFFICIALS OF THE NORTHERN SONG

Handscroll in several sections, ink on paper
Various sizes
Frontispiece by Ye Gongchuo (1881-1968), signed
Colophons at the end of the scroll by Han Xi (twice) and Xiang Dicong (1890-?)

1. Ye Qingchen (? - circa 1051): Letter to Tianxiu
30.8 x 48.5 cm. (12 1/8 x 19 1/8 in.)
Eight collectors' seals: Jin Shi Wen Fang, Biao, Wen Zhong, Zhang Yu, Song Shi Lian Yi Chang Wu, Meng Ru Fu Rong Pu, Yun Jian Han Xi Zhen Cang Shu Hua Yin, Jie Fan Shen Ding Zhen Ji
Three collectors' seals on the mounting: Jing Chao, Xiang Zhong Jian Kao Ding Shu Hua Qian Ji, Lu Ying Xiao Yin
2. Wang Anli (1035-1096): Letter to Master Chen
33 x 36 cm. (13 x 13 3/4 in.)
Four collectors' seals: Zhang Yu, Biao, Wen Zhong, Jin Shi Wen Fang
3. Zeng Bu (1036-1107): Xiang Wang Tie (Letter of Appreciation)
27.5 x 45.6 cm. (10 7/8 x 18 in.)
Six collectors' seals: Jin Shi Wen Fang, Wen Zhong, Biao, Zhang Yu, Dong Lu Zhang Shi Jin Fang, Xi Hua Chun Qi Zao Ai Yue Ye Mian Chi
4. Su Song (1020-1101): Shou Jun Tie
31 x 32 cm. (12 1/4 x 12 5/8 in.)
Four collectors' seals: Jin Shi Wen Fang, Biao, Zhang Yu, Bing Hu Qiu Yue
5. Fan Zuyu (1041-1098): Letter to Gongxiu
33 x 21 cm. (13 x 8 1/4 in.)
Seven collectors' seals: Jin Shi Wen Fang, Wen Zhong, Biao, Zhang Yu, Zong Bo Xue Shi, Dong Lu Zheng Shi Jin Fang, Liang Chen Mei Jing Shang Xin Le Shi
6. Zhang Shunmin (circa 1034-1100): Dong Lai Tei
28.5 x 46.5 cm. (11 1/4 x 18 1/4 in.)
Six collectors' seals: Nei Fu Tu Shu, Jin Shi Wen Fang, Wen Zhong, Biao, Zhang Yu, Jie Han Mo Xuan
7. Kong Wuzhong (1041-1097): Xinmin Tie
37 x 47.5 cm. (14 1/2 x 18 5/8 in.)
Five collectors' seals: Jin Shi Wen Fang, Wen Zhong, Biao, Zhang Yu, Zhan Yue Xian Lang
8. Li Shiyong (early 12th century)
35.5 x 34 cm. (14 x 13 3/8 in.)
Seven collectors' seals: Jin Shi Wen Fang, Biao, Zhang Yu, Zheng Shi Jin Fang, Du Gu Ren Shu, Zhan Yue Xian Lang, Yun Jian Han Xi Zhen Cang Shu Hua Yin

Literature

1. Wu Sheng, Daguanlu, National Central Library, Taiwan, 1970 Reprint, Vol. 4, pp.488-526
2. Zhu Jiajin, Lidai Zhulu Fashumu (Index of Publications on Calligraphy Through the Centuries), Zijincheng Chubanshe, 1997, pp.20, 75, 127, 165, 234, 265, 294, 453
3. Zhongguo Shufa (Chinese Calligraphy), Chinese Calligraphy Megazine Publications, 2001, no.9, colour plates 1-7, pp.16-25
4. To be published in Zhougguo Shufa Quanji (Complete Compendium of Chinese Calligraphy), Beijing Qongbaozhai, winter 2003 or spring 2004

Lot Essay

ESTIMATE ON REQUEST

NOTES:
1. Colophon by Han Xi at the end of the scroll gives a brief biography on each scholar. for further information, see:
Ye Qingchen: ZWD, Entry 2022;
Wang Anli: JLRC, pp.43-44; ZWD, Entry 2122; ZLRD, p.187;
Zeng Bu: JLRC, p.42; ZLRD, p.2351;
Su Song: ZWD, entry 2079; ZLRD, p.804;
Fan Zuyu: ZWD, entyr 2138; ZLRD, p.1435;
Zhang Shunmin: ZWD, entry 2123; ZLRD, p.1297;
Kong Wuzhong: JLRC, p.44; ZWD, entry 2141; ZLRD, p.344
Li Shiyong: ZLRD, p.980

2. At present, it would appear that there exists another letter by Ye Qingchen, also addressed to Tianxiu. Zeng Bu has two other extant pieces of calligraphy, and Zhang Shunmin has one. All these are in the Taipei National Palace Museum. The other pieces in this scroll by Wang Anli, Su Song, Fang Zuyu, Kong Wuzhong and Li Shiyong are most probably the only extant examples of their calligraphy.

ZWD: Zhongguo Wenxuejia Dacidian, Beijing Library Publications, 1998
JLRC: Jiangxi Lidai Renwu Cidian, Jiangxi Renmin Chubanshe, 1990
ZLRD: Zhongguo Lidai Renming Dacidian, Shanghai Guji Chubanshe, 1999

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