Letter from Master Xiaoyin Daxin in Response to Yu Ji’s Poems

CHINA; Yuan dynasty

This letter, consisting 123 characters in 13 lines, was written by Master Xiaoyin Daxin when he was 59 years old. It was composed when monk Tianran approached Xiaoyin for his response to three of Yu Ji’s poems. The text shows a strong friendship shared by both monks.
Characters in this piece are composed of strong, bold brushstrokes neatly arranged in spaced rows. The work is considered rare as it shows little influence by Zhao Mengfu, a well-known calligrapher during the Yuan dynasty (1271–1368), whose style was often emulated; in fact, this piece is actually closer to the works of Song dynasty (960–1279) calligrapher Su Shi. The execution is leisurely, and the work is unique compared to other Yuan dynasty calligraphic pieces.
Xiaoyin was a monk and calligrapher born in Jiangzhou (present day Jiujiang, Jiangxi) to a family of scholars. He earned the admiration of Zhao Mengfu, Yuan Jue, and Ouyang Gui for his vast knowledge and cultivation. He inherited the teachings of Chan Master Huiji Yuanxi and passed away at the age of 61.