The Eastern Jin Dynasty was a very brilliant era in the history of Chinese calligraphy. The calligraphic style represented by the “Two Wangs,” Wang Xizhi and Wang Xianzhi, had a tremendous influence on later generations. Wang Xizhi, known as the “Sage of Calligraphy,” was appointed as the Right General of the Army and was also known as General Wang.
His calligraphy was exquisite, with superb brushwork and elegant structure. Amid the tales of his artistic journey, one story unfolds uniquely — an enchanting exchange wherein Wang Xizhi traded a calligraphy masterpiece for geese.
Wang Xizhi observed geese and gained insights into calligraphy
Wang was infatuated with geese. It is said that he gained many insights into calligraphy from observing the posture and gestures of geese. Wang Xizhi remained calm and focused when he held his calligraphy brush, with his index finger slightly curved and raised, similar to a goose’s head. His brushwork was smooth and delicate, like a white goose floating on water, gracefully concentrating all his energy at the tip of the brush.
Wang Xizhi observed the posture of geese walking and gained insights into writing the character “之.” In the Preface to the Orchid Pavilion, there were 21 “之” characters, each elegant and dynamic, some resembling white geese playing in the water, with others striding proudly like strutting geese, displaying diverse and unique variations.
There is a folk tale about Wang exchanging scriptures for white geese. The Scripture of the Yellow Court is a small regular script work from Wang’s later years, inheriting the simple and natural style of the Han and Wei dynasties, a work that exudes elegance and grace.
The brushwork is smooth, honest, and harmonious, with a beautifully structured and well-arranged composition, making it a model calligraphic work. Li Bai, a poet, wrote in Sending off Guests Returning to Yue: “When meeting a Taoist from Shanyin, one should present the Yellow Court in exchange for white geese,” referencing this anecdote.
According to legend, there was a Taoist in Shanyin County who greatly admired Wang’s calligraphy and longed for his ink treasure, the Scripture of the Yellow Court. Knowing Wang’s fondness for geese, he specially raised a flock of superior white geese and took meticulous care of them.
One day, in the 12th year of the Yonghe reign of the Eastern Jin Dynasty, Wang planned to visit a friend’s house. As he set out, he saw a Taoist rushing by with several giant white geese, their feathers snow-white, their posture graceful, and their heads held high. Delighted, Wang followed the geese, observing and gesturing with his fingers. He approached the Taoist to buy the geese, but was refused. Instead, the Taoists proposed exchanging the geese for a written copy of the Scripture of the Yellow Court.
Wang readily agreed and proceeded to write more than 1,200 characters of the Scripture of the Yellow Court on yellow silk prepared by the Taoist. The Taoist happily accepted the calligraphic work, and Wang joyfully brought the geese home. In his courtyard, he dug a pond for the geese, naming it “Goose Pond” and erected a stone monument with the same name.
He often observed the various actions of the geese by the pond with great interest and frequently wrote the character “鵝” (goose), aiming to depict the image and characteristics of the geese. As a result, his writing of the character “鵝” excelled.
Preparing goose for guests
In another tale, Kuaiji, a reclusive old lady, raised a large white goose known for its melodious and enchanting voice. When Wang heard about this, he sent someone to buy the goose, but the old lady refused to part with it.
So Wang prepared to visit with his friends to see the goose. Upon hearing that the renowned Right General Wang was coming, the old lady hastily cooked the goose to serve the guests, fearing inadequate hospitality. When Wang arrived, he learned that the large white goose had become a delicious dish on the table, causing him to lament deeply.
Calligraphy fans helped the poor
When Wang was in Kuaiji, he once saw an older woman selling hexagonal fans on Jishan. The woman looked worried, as no one was interested in buying the fans. Feeling compassion for the woman, Wang took out his brush and ink and wrote on each fan. Astonished, the woman gave him a look of displeasure.
Wang told her: “Just say General Wang inscribed these, and each fan will be worth a hundred coins.” Though skeptical, the older woman followed his advice. As a result, people rushed to buy them, and in no time, all the fans were sold out.
Through various benevolent acts, such as exchanging scriptures for geese, turning seemingly ordinary fans into valued treasures, and finding inspiration in the humblest of creatures, Wang demonstrated the immense positive impact that an artist, armed with both talent and compassion, can have on the lives of others. Wang Xizhi’s narrative invites us to appreciate art not merely as a technical skill, but as a force capable of uplifting, inspiring, and effecting meaningful change in the most unexpected ways.
