Poem on the Hall of Pines and Wind

Poem on the Hall of Pines and Wind (松風閣詩)

Huang Tingjian (黃庭堅, 1045-1105), Song Dynasty (960-1279)

Handscroll, ink on paper, 32.8 x 219.2 cm, National Palace Museum, Taipei

       "Poem on the Hall of Pines and Wind" presents a touch of sadness within a mood of joy. Taking the opportunity to narrate a passage from a trip to the Wuchang Western Hills, Huang Tingjian first described the scenery surrounding the Hall of Pines and Wind. Then he expressed a strong desire that his friends, including Su Shi (蘇軾, 1036-1101) who had passed away the year before, could share the beautiful scenery with him. Finally, Huang Tingjian hoped to be able to free himself from the entanglement of his current situation and go with friends together on a boating trip. As he did the calligraphy, Huang Tingjian’s wave-like features and large diagonally falling strokes, the pressing and lifting of the brush, and turns in the brushwork are found everywhere within the manner of regular script. The transformations are extremely well-handled, and the light stops and gradual lifting of the brush have a grace and bearing in a harmonious manner that shows Huang Tingjian’s aloofness from worldly concerns in later years and a self satisfaction at heart.

依山築閣見平川，夜闌箕鬥插屋椽。我來名之意適然。
老松魁梧數百年，斧斤所赦今參天。風鳴媧皇五十弦，
洗耳不須菩薩泉。嘉二三子甚好賢，力貧買酒醉此筵。
夜雨鳴廊到曉懸，相看不歸臥僧氈。泉枯石燥復潺湲，
山川光輝為我妍。野僧旱饑不能饘，曉見寒溪有炊煙。
東坡道人已沈泉，張侯何時到眼前。釣臺驚濤可晝眠，
怡亭看篆蛟龍纏。安得此身脫拘攣，舟載諸友長周旋。