Artist: Zhao Gou (1107-1187)
Date: Southern Song (1127-1276)
Dimensions: Height 23.5 cm, Width 602.8 cm
Material: Ink on paper
Emperor Gaozong of Song, Zhao Gou (1107-1187), also known by his zi (designated name) Deji, was the ninth son of Emperor Huizong. He ascended the throne in the second year (1127) of the Jingkang era and changed the era name to Jianyan. Later, he abdicated in favour of Emperor Xiaozong and retired to Deshou Palace. Skilled in calligraphy, he excelled in regular, running, and cursive scripts. This transcription of Ji Kang's Yangsheng Lun (Essays on Nourishing Life) from the Western Jin dynasty demonstrates a calm and forceful brushwork, elegant and brisk. The seal "Deshou Yushu" indicates that it was created in his later years.
