Cold Food Observance: The Restrained Passion of Running Script

"Cold Food Observance," or Han Shi Tie, by Su Shi (苏轼), is a celebrated example of Running Script (xingshu) from the Song Dynasty. It's not just a simple piece of calligraphy; it is an emotional outpouring that was created in a period of difficulty and exile for Su Shi. The work captures a range of emotions, including grief, frustration, and a longing for home. Its masterful use of brushstrokes and its profound emotional depth have made it one of the most cherished works in the history of Chinese calligraphy.

The calligraphy of Han Shi Tie is marked by its expressive strokes and its varied rhythm. The lines are fluid and dynamic, with thick and thin strokes adding to the visual interest of the piece. Su Shi's use of xingshu script blends spontaneity with a sense of underlying structure. The strokes are never uniform or predictable; they are fluid and full of life, reflecting the artist’s state of mind and emotion.

The composition of Han Shi Tie is not strictly linear, but rather it has a more organic and flowing feel. The characters are of varying sizes and shapes, and the spacing between the lines is not always consistent. This irregularity contributes to the overall impression of spontaneity and emotional authenticity. The way the lines move and curve on the page is truly unique and adds to the aesthetic of the piece.

The emotional power of Han Shi Tie is evident in the way the brushstrokes convey a sense of unrest and longing. The lines sometimes appear hesitant, and at other times they’re bold and assertive. The changes in the ink density and the variation in speed show the wide range of feeling Su Shi was experiencing when creating the calligraphy. The work is a testament to the ability of calligraphy to communicate deep personal feelings.

"Cold Food Observance" is more than just a beautiful work of calligraphy; it's a window into the soul of a great artist. The calligraphy reflects Su Shi’s inner state, and it shows how his personal struggles were expressed through his art. It’s a timeless work that continues to move and inspire viewers with its depth of feeling and its mastery of the calligraphic medium.