The Calligraphic Identity And Spread Of Cai Xiang’s Engraved Inscriptions Under The Influence Of Neo-confucianism In The Southern Song Dynasty

During the Southern Song Dynasty,there was an aesthetic trend in the calligraphy industry to return to the style of Jin and Tang calligraphy.At this time,the rise of Neo Confucianism also penetrated into the realm of calligraphy.Neo Confucianism believed that calligraphy was not only a form of artistic expression,but also a means of conveying moral values.This also reflects the personalized aesthetic orientation of calligraphy represented by the Neo Confucianism group during the Southern Song Dynasty.In this context,Cai Xiang’s historical background,personal identity,and writing style are in line with the calligraphy philosophy of scholars,and his calligraphy has once again received attention,becoming a model of "Legality" and "Gentleman".In order to gain a deeper understanding of Cai Xiang’s calligraphy image under the influence of the Neo-Confucianism perspective and the engraving trend during the Southern Song Dynasty,this article conducts research from four dimensions.First,it starts with Neo-Confucianism to sort out the development status and basic situation of Neo-Confucianism and calligraphy during the Southern Song Dynasty,and forms three aspects of the interaction between Neo-Confucianism and calligraphy.Second,it compares the changes in the evaluation of Cai Xiang’s calligraphy from the perspective of Neo-Confucianism and that of the literati in the Northern Song Dynasty,exploring the transformation of Cai Xiang’s calligraphy image from "the first of this dynasty" to "the gentleman of rites and laws" under the perspective of Neo-Confucianism represented by Zhu Xi in the Southern Song Dynasty.Third,it takes Zhu Xi’s engraving of Cai Xiang’s calligraphy as the starting point,analyzes the social phenomenon of official and private collections,authentication of famous works,and engraving of calligraphic works during the Southern Song Dynasty,and thus glimpses the marginalized status of Cai Xiang’s personal calligraphy in the eyes of collectors,engravers and appraisers.Fourth,through the intervention of Neo-Confucianism during the Southern Song Dynasty,this article reflects on the phenomenon of Cai Xiang’s personal calligraphy identity transformation and calligraphic engraving during the Southern Song Dynasty,and based on this,starts with personal graduation creation to learn and absorb.In the view of the group of Neo-Confucian scholars led by Zhu Xi,Cai Xiang’s calligraphy was once again valued and appeared multiple times in Song dynasty calligraphy critiques and inscriptions,shaping his moral image as a calligrapher in the Southern Song period.Although Cai Xiang’s "antiquarian" philosophy was a precursor to the "appreciation of intent" calligraphy style,it was difficult for the Southern Song dynasty,influenced by the prevailing styles of Su Shi,Huang Tingjian,and Mi Fu,to become the mainstream.This also reflects that the process of artistic dissemination and evolution is not only influenced by individuals or groups,but also by social culture and historical context.