Stories behind Famous Calligraphy Works

In the long river of history, calligraphy is not only the artistic expression of words but also the carrier of emotions and stories. Behind every calligraphic work passed down from generation to generation, there is often hidden the emotional world of the calligrapher and the social background of that era. They are not only a pile of ink, but also a microcosm of fresh stories.

Wang Xianzhi(344 AD - 386 AD) was a renowned calligrapher during the Eastern Jin Dynasty, known for his unique calligraphic style, which he shared with his father Wang Xizhi(303 or 321 AD - 361 or 379 AD), collectively known as Two Wangs（二王）. Feng Dui Tie is a letter written by Wang Xianzhi to his wife, Xi Daomao, and it conceals a poignant love story.

Wang Xianzhi and Xi Daomao grew up together like childhood sweethearts, and their marriage was filled with deep affection and mutual support. However, due to political reasons, Wang Xianzhi was forced to divorce Xi Daomao and marry the Princess of Xin'an. This incident was a significant blow to Wang Xianzhi, filling his heart with pain and helplessness.

In Feng Dui Tie, we can sense Wang Xianzhi's deep longing and endless sorrow. He wrote: "Although I have been in your presence for many years, it seems like a fleeting moment of joy. I always feel the pain of not being able to fully express my happiness. I had wished to spend the rest of my life with you, my sister, to grow old together, but who would have thought we would be separated like this? My feelings of loss and regret are profound; when will I be able to see you again, day or night? I am overwhelmed with grief, unable to stop, until my last breath!" In his words, he pours out his attachment to his ex-wife, reminiscing about the happy times they shared, and also expresses his helplessness towards fate and despair for the future.

From the perspective of calligraphic art, Feng Dui Tie demonstrates Wang Xianzhi's superb calligraphic skills. His brushwork is smooth and natural, with lines that are lively and ethereal, and the characters respond to each other in a coherent and continuous flow. Each character in the piece seems to carry Wang Xianzhi's emotions, either lightly jumping, as when he recalls the joy of good times, or heavy and slow, like when he speaks of his pain. The overall layout is well-arranged, with appropriate density, giving a sense of harmony and rich variation. This work is not only a treasure of calligraphic art but also a true reflection of Wang Xianzhi's emotional world, allowing us to feel the joys and sorrows of the people of that era through calligraphy.