The once-in-a-millennium "Lantingji Xu" and the once-in-a-ten-thousand-years Wang Xizhi.

"Lantingji Xu" is the representative work of Wang Xizhi, a calligrapher of the Eastern Jin Dynasty. It is known as the "best running script in the world." The influence of Lanting in history is so great that it cannot be described in words. Many emperors, generals, politicians, calligraphers, and calligraphy lovers... have all experienced the sentiment of copying Lantingji Xu, vying to imitate and create, and then Lantingji Xu and the writers became famous again! Not only is its calligraphy of extremely high artistic value, but its literary content also profoundly reflects the life attitude and philosophical thinking of the literati at that time. To fully understand "Lantingji Xu" and the story behind it, you can start from the following aspects: ### 1. Understanding the Background - **Historical Background**: During the Eastern Jin Dynasty, society was turbulent, and literati often expressed their emotions and escaped reality through gatherings, drinking, and composing poems. "Lantingji Xu" was written by Wang Xizhi when he gathered with friends at the Lanting Pavilion during the Spring Purification Festival (a kind of blessing activity). - **Spring Purification Festival**: The Spring Purification Festival is an ancient custom, usually held on the third day of the third lunar month. People bathe and pray by the water to ward off evil spirits. The Lanting gathering was a continuation of this activity. ### 2. Reading the Text - **Literary Content**: "Lantingji Xu" is not only a work of calligraphy but also a beautiful prose. It describes the natural beauty of the Lanting Pavilion, the joyful atmosphere of the gathering, and also expresses Wang Xizhi's feelings about the shortness of life and the impermanence of the world. - **Philosophical Thinking**: Wang Xizhi put forward the view of "life and death are also great matters" in the text, expressing his helplessness about the shortness of life and his profound thinking about the meaning of life. This thought is consistent with the metaphysics prevalent at that time. ### 3. Appreciating the Calligraphy - **Calligraphic Art**: "Lantingji Xu" is known as the "best running script in the world." Its calligraphy is smooth and natural, with exquisite brushwork and vivid charm. When appreciating it, you can start from the thickness of the strokes, the density of the structure, and the layout of the composition to feel the charm of Wang Xizhi's calligraphy. - **Copying and Inheritance**: Calligraphers of all dynasties have highly praised "Lantingji Xu," and there have been many copyists. By comparing the copied works of different periods, you can better understand the inheritance and evolution of its calligraphic art. ### 4. Understanding the Story - **Lanting Gathering**: According to records, Wang Xizhi gathered with 41 celebrities, including Xie An and Sun Chuo, at the Lanting Pavilion, where they drank wine and composed poems, resulting in a total of 37 poems. Wang Xizhi wrote a preface for these poems, which is "Lantingji Xu." - **Mystery of the Original Work**: The original work of "Lantingji Xu" is said to have been taken into the Zhaoling Mausoleum by Emperor Taizong of Tang as a burial object, and most of what later generations have seen are copies. This legend adds to the mystery of "Lantingji Xu." ### 5. Combining Later Evaluations - **Evaluations Throughout History**: Since the Tang Dynasty, "Lantingji Xu" has been regarded as a classic work of calligraphy and literature. Later literati such as Su Shi and Huang Tingjian all spoke highly of it. By reading these evaluations, you can gain a deeper understanding of the historical status and cultural influence of "Lantingji Xu." ### 6. Modern Perspective - **Cultural Inheritance**: In modern times, "Lantingji Xu" is not only regarded as the pinnacle of calligraphic art but also as an important part of traditional Chinese culture. Through the research of modern scholars, "Lantingji Xu" can be re-examined from multiple perspectives such as history, literature, and philosophy. - **Art Exhibitions**: If you have the opportunity, you can visit relevant calligraphy exhibitions or museums to witness the copies of "Lantingji Xu" with your own eyes and experience its artistic charm. ### 7. Personal Reflections - **Connecting with Life**: Wang Xizhi's lament about the shortness of life in "Lantingji Xu" still resonates today. You can combine your own life experiences to think about the meaning and value of life. ### Summary "Lantingji Xu" is not only a treasure of calligraphic art but also a philosophical literary work. By understanding its historical background, literary content, calligraphic art, and later evaluations, you can gain a more comprehensive understanding of this classic work. At the same time, combining modern perspectives and personal reflections can lead to a deeper appreciation of the cultural and philosophical connotations contained within it.