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Cai Xiang, also known as Junmo, was a famous calligrapher in the Northern Song Dynasty. His calligraphy was inspired by Yan Lugong, and his brushwork was superb. Su Dongpo praised him as "the best of the dynasty". He was proficient in regular script, running script, and cursive script. Dongpo said, "But running script is the best, followed by small regular script, and cursive script is the third best." Many of his calligraphy works have been handed down, most of which are letters. Long works such as "Tea Records", "Lychee Book", and "Self-written Poems" are also excellent works.

"An Dao Tie"

Explanation: Xiang bows again. Since An Dao took over the Guiguan, I have been busy every day and have not been able to communicate with the emperor. I feel extremely ashamed. The insults in the letter have made me understand the situation. Recently, I heard that Nong invaded the Southwest Yi and asked to be sent back alive. This is a good thing. Yong Shu and Zhi Han have already stayed in the capital, and Wang Zhongyi will also come. Xiang has asked for the Quan army, and it will be granted soon. His short-sightedness and confusion are useless for current affairs. Besides, he is not suitable for returning to his hometown to serve his parents. It is warm in spring, and he loves food and drink more. I will not mention them one by one. Xiang bows again, An Dao, the Minister of the Court. Respectfully, February 24th.

Cai Xiang was not a master who founded a new school. In general, his calligraphy still adhered to the rules of the Jin and Tang dynasties, and his sense of innovation was slightly inferior. However, he was an indispensable key figure in the development of calligraphy in the Song Dynasty. With his own complete calligraphy achievements, he built a technical bridge between the rules of the Jin and Tang dynasties and the tastes of the Song people. Cai Xiang's calligraphy works handed down include "Self-written Poems", "Thanks for the Imperial Poems", as well as "Tao Sheng Tie", "Jiao Fen Tie", "Meng Hui Tie" and other works. The inscriptions include "Wan'an Bridge Record", "Zhu Jin Tang Record" and the regular script "Forget Return Stone", "National Master Rock" and other treasures in Lingyuan Cave, Gushan.

Chengxintang Paper

Explanation: A piece of Chengxintang paper, the width, thickness, and solidity are similar to this, which is good. The craftsman is unwilling to make it, and is afraid that he can't make it. Try to make it thick and straight, but can't get it? Seeing that the paper is thin, it seems to be possible to make it. The convenient person only asks for 100 pieces. Written by Xiang on the Double Ninth Festival of Guimao.

The exquisite paper, coupled with Cai Xiang's elegant and solemn handwriting, makes this "Chengxintang" letter particularly beautiful and moving. The whole text is written in regular script, with a straight and slightly flat structure, and the spacing between characters and lines is appropriate. Every stroke is full of style, delicate and graceful. The letter is signed with the year "Guimao" (1063), when Cai Xiang was 52 years old. "Chengxintang Paper Letter" is a representative work of his solemn calligraphy style in his later years.

"Holding Book"

Explanation: Xiang Qi: A few days ago, an envoy was sent with a letter and a halberd, inviting you to visit our country. The plan has been accepted. I wonder what your feelings are? Your coming is a great thing. My sick body is not always at ease, mostly due to food and drink. Goat is bitter and tasteless, and I can only eat 300 grams. I get stomachache every time I eat fish and turtle. I am weak because of this, and I have to get used to it over time. I am not used to it now. I am grateful for your letter and the sea creatures! I respectfully submit this letter to you. No announcement. Xiang, the seventh brother of the guest. August 24. Sincerely, empty.

This is a letter from Cai Xiang to a friend, in which he talked about his poor health at the time. It was written in the third year of Zhihe (1056) when he first came to Fuzhou, when he was 45 years old. It is stamped with "Zhi Yi Yin Ji", "Yi", and An Qizhu's red seals.

"Dayan Tie"

Explanation: Xiang Qi: The large jade is a foot long, with an extraordinary charm. It is the flower of the studio. The flower pot is also a good product. I appreciate your kindness. If you want to exchange the jade for the state, you can use Shang Yuli. If it is true, Zhao Bi is hard to give up. It has not been decided yet, and it needs to be discussed in person. Xiang Shang, Your Excellency Yan You. The 21st day, the intercalary month of Jiachen.

Cai Xiang's calligraphy is vigorous and dignified, pure and graceful, and unique. When you unfold Cai Xiang's calligraphy, you will feel a spring breeze blowing on your face, full of beautiful and gentle atmosphere. The composition of characters is well-balanced, handy, and extremely natural. The writing is like flowing clouds and water, showing a beautiful and vigorous state.

Hongxian Postscript

Explanation: "Xiang Qi, I recently received two letters from Zeng Mingzhong and Chen Xiang. I hope you are doing well and everyone in your family is doing well. I am very happy. When I arrived in Hong County, the Bian River dried up, so I stayed there for the remaining forty days. Now I have made plans to reach Suzhou by land, but the journey is very tiring. I should have said that the canal water has a limit and it will take one or two days. If there is water, we can take a light boat to come directly. If there is no water, we can take the post road and arrive in the capital in due time. The officials in Fujian and Wu have just been removed. I think you have stayed in Pan for a while. After being in the capital for a long time, you may not feel tired of traveling. You can take precautions on the way. The people are hungry and have little food, so they are migrating to the east. However, in Chuzhou County, we need guards to send you off. The old and the young are all kind. It is cool in autumn, so I hope you will love and respect me. I will not announce it. Xiang bows his head. My dear brother Langzhong. Sincerely. August 23rd in Suzhou".

This post was written when Cai Xiang was on his way back to Beijing. Previous research has clearly dated it to the third year of Huangyou (1051 AD). However, when he arrived in Hong County, the Bian River dried up and he could not return to Bianliang by water, so he had to take the land route through Suzhou. The so-called "Jingkong" was a term used by people in the Tang and Song dynasties to leave a blank space at the end of a letter, meaning to leave it blank for approval.

"The Follower's Post"

Explanation: Xiang Bai: Today I am returning from my entourage. I am suffering from a cold and have been lying down until dusk. I am grateful for your kindness. I saw a few of them a few days ago, but they were not good. I will leave as soon as I find a good one. Xiang Shanggong respectfully presents to His Excellency the Grand Commandant.

Foot Pain Post

The letter reads: "I have suffered from beriberi since April, and the swelling has subsided in autumn, so I did not say goodbye to the journey north. However, I still remember the beautiful scenery of the lake and mountains. I am sorry for not being able to reply to you in time. I am so ashamed. I will give you my seal on the fourth day of this month, and will leave on the 4th day of the month. Please send me your letter."

Most of Cai Xiang's calligraphy is in regular script, but this piece is unique, being in running cursive script. Its brushwork is exquisite, the strokes are fluent, vigorous and beautiful, making it a masterpiece of Cai Xiang's running cursive script.

"Jingju Tie"

【Explanation】Xiang Qi: It has been *(氵存) years since I left you. I have little time in Beijing, so I have no reason to write to you. I am so grateful to you for your letter and paper. You are coming from afar, and I am very grateful for your kindness! It is hot near the sea, and the autumn air is not yet clear. How are you? I will take care of myself and eat well to comfort my thoughts. I am sending you back, so I will thank you in this letter. I will not list all the details. Xiang bows his head. I know you are staying in the county. Sincerely. September 8th.

"Leaving the Capital"

Xiang's letter. Since I left the capital and arrived in Nanjing, my eldest son Yun had a cold for seven days. He never recovered from the illness. I was honored to return to the south. I didn't expect such a disaster. I am deeply moved. I can't express my grief. I received your letter and Yongping's letter. I am even more sad. I crossed the river at night and didn't have time to see you. I wrote a poem to express my gratitude. I don't know how to say it one by one. Xiang bows his head. Mr. Du, the superior. July 13th. Your family is well. My old son is fine. Yongping has already sent a letter to you.

"Monk Hui Tie"

Explanation: I am grateful for the kindness of the water and the apple blossoms in the forest. The weather is warm and you are in good health. Xiang Shang, Gongjin Taiwei is on your side.

Meng Hui Tie is a work of regular script, which is inspired by Lan Ting Xu and incorporates the honest and steady elements of Yan Lugong, further expanding the artistic connotation of the art of regular script calligraphy in the Song Dynasty and bringing the art of calligraphy to a new stage.

"Hot Summer Post"

Explanation: Xiang Qi: The heat has prevented me from visiting you, but my suffering has subsided. Day and night, the wind and the sun are scorching, and there is nowhere to escape. Life is like this, how sad! A few pieces of fine tea, not one by one. Xiang, Gong respectfully left and right. How much is a pair of rhinoceros horn? I want to see it, and the seller wants one hundred to fifty thousand.

Tao Sheng Tie

【Explanation】Xiang: Showing the new record, it is not Tao Sheng's hand, but it is also good. The pen is quite fine, Henan Gong's writing is not scattered and outstanding. In the past, I used to give two pen, which is a great gift, and now I still use it. Geng Zichun passed away, which is very sad. People are unpredictable. The servant has to return immediately, and I have written a brief letter to you. May 11, Xiang bowed his head. The family members are all safe. Chu Yuan will leave at night.

Tao Sheng Tie is a cursive calligraphy. It is free and unrestrained. The structure is irregular, large and small, heavy and light, sparse and dense, all done in one go. Huang Tingjian said: "Junmo's cursive calligraphy is very beautiful, and can be placed in the room of Yongxing (Yu Shinan)" which is very correct.

"Thank you letter"

Explanation: Thank you, Lang Chunchu, general, and madam, and I wish you all the best. This year, Chief Zhu also came to Quanzhou to see me. Now I see that you are taking medicine and feel thin and tired every day. As for human affairs, you don’t care about them anymore. My eyes are blurry and I can’t write, but I have few guests and I don’t go in and out much. You can tell how sad I am. I won’t go into details. I sent you off. The tenth day of the first lunar month.

Yuan Meng Tie

Explanation: Xiang bows again. I am deeply grateful for your letter from afar to Dubo. I am grateful for your teachings. I heard that Yan Fan has already passed through Nandu. I will see him soon. Although Qingshe is called a vassal, I miss you very much. Recently, Li Zheng bowed. Jinlin was dissatisfied with Feng Dangshi's call to Jinhua. There is no need for Yutang to have such a hope. The frosty wind is cold. I hope you love me deeply, but I won't announce it. Xiang, Yan You is your Excellency's assistant. Respectfully.

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