Poems Dedicated to Master Fozhao

CHINA; Southern Song dynasty

This calligraphic rubbing is from a stele inscription written by Fan Chengda and is comprised of nine lines, with a total of 127 characters; the stele on which it was engraved, however, no longer exists. Chan Master Fozhao, also known as Deguang, was a disciple of Chan Master Dahui Zonggao. He renounced and took refuge under Master Dahui, and in 1176, Emperor Xiaozong (reigned 1162–1189) of the Southern Song dynasty took refuge under him and ultimately bestowed the title of Master Fozhao upon him. Master Fozhao’s writings at the back of the stele describe how Fan Chengda composed four seven-character poems in praise of the scenery during his travels around the Ayuwangshan. The poems were written on a scroll and presented to Master Fozhao.
Fan Chengda was a renowned calligrapher who studied under the calligraphers Su Shi, Huang Tingjian, and Mi Fu of Northern Song dynasty (960–1127). These three masters exerted great influence on the calligraphic styles of Southern Song artworks. This particular work is a reflection of Fan’s style, and shows the influences of Su, Huang, and Mi.