The world is blurred and darkened by the entwined struggle between right and wrong. It is possible for those in the right to lose and those in the wrong to win. Some virtuous scholars were aware of this, so they advocated these two credos: “The nobility to act knowing it will fail” and “Adulation is not to be bestowed or denied according to success or failure.”
Classic examples are Wen T’ien-hsiang (文天祥) of the Sung dynasty and Shih K’ei-fa (史可法) of the Ming dynasty. They adhered to the principle: “When Righteousness is exhausted, Benevolence is attained”. They forsook success or failure to the Will of God. When this principle is thoroughly meditated and recognized, death can be gently embraced.
Scholars from past generations have always regarded Wen T’ien-hsiang and Shih K’ei-fa as embodiments of Righteousness and Benevolence, fine exemplars of moral conduct. The zithers, inkstones and seals they used became carriers of their spirits, vessels of moral instructions for future generations. However, symbolic objects they once used are difficult to come across. So instead, we present an ink rubbing of a zither and impressions of two seals that belonged to them, likewise suffice to instruct the cultivation of Righteousness and Benevolence.
Curatorial and Editorial Department
For over seven hundred years, from the fall of the Sung dynasty to the time of the Republic of China, every child knows by heart the Song of Righteousness (正氣歌) written by Wen T’ien-hsiang (文天祥). Across the continents and the seas, through the seasons, from day to night, regardless of time or place, children recite it loudly and reverentially. It is proof that his words have moved countless generations, and the integrity and righteousness he exemplified have lighted up our world.
Portrait of Emperor Ping from the Sung dynasty
On 20 December in the first year of the Hsiang-hsing reign, 2 February 1279, Wen T’ien-hsiang’s army reached Wu-p’o Ridge in Hai-feng County, Kwang-tung Province. There he was captured by the Yüan army. After unsuccessfully attempting suicide by poison and hunger strike, he was transported under guard to Yen-ching, now Peking, on 1 October in the following year. On 6 February of the 2nd year of the Hsiang-hsing reign, 19 March 1279, the Yüan army vanquished the Sung army at sea near Ya-shan in Hsin-hui County, Kwang-tung Province. The Left Grand Councilor Lu Hsiu-fu (陸秀夫) carried Emperor Ping (昺帝) on his back and threw themselves into the sea and drowned, thus ending the Sung dynasty. In the summer of the 18th year of the Chih-yüan reign (1281), Wen T’ien-hsiang wrote the Song of Righteousness (正氣歌) whilst imprisoned by the Yüan army. On 9 December in the 19th year of the Chih-yüan reign, 9 January 1283, he was executed at the age of forty seven after refusing to surrender for four years.
Portrait of Grand Councilor Wen T’ien-hsiang
Wen T’ien-hsiang was born in 1236 and died for his country in 1283. His original name was Yün-sun (雲孫), tzu T’ien-hsiang (天祥), Lü-shan (履善), Sung-jui (宋瑞), hao Wen-shan (文山). Later, he used T’ien-hsiang (天祥) as his everyday name. He was a native of Lu-ling, modern-day Chi-an, Kiangsi Province. In the 4th year of the Pao-yu reign (1256) under Emperor Li-tsung (理宗) of Sung dynasty, he took the metropolitan examination and was originally ranked fifth among the successful chìn-shìh (進士) graduates. However, the emperor personally promoted him to first place, making him chuang-yüan (the principal graduate). His successive official positions included administrative clerk of Jui-chou, auxiliary academician of the Institute of Academician, junior compiler of the Historiography Academy, examining editor of the True Records Institute, administrative clerk of Ning-kuo Prefecture, directorate of armaments, administrative clerk of Kan-chou, judicial commissioner of Kiangsi Province, military commissioner of Kiangsi Province, minister of the Ministry of War, administrative clerk of P’ing-chiang Prefecture, academician of the Hall for Aid in Governance, right grand councilor and military affairs commissioner. He was conferred the title of Junior Guardian and Hsin-kuo Kung (信國公). He is thus respectfully called Wen Hsin-kuo Kung (文信國公) by later generations.
Before his execution, he concealed his final words in his clothing. The words have been extolled through the ages. They read:
“Though I hold the positions of minister and grand councilor, I have failed to save the country and right the world. Our army was defeated, and our country humiliated. I am a prisoner and should have died long ago. Since my capture, it has not been possible to commit suicide. Today Heaven grants me this opportunity to die. I will kneel and bow southward in the direction of the Sung court. These are my words of devotion:
Confucius taught Benevolence, Mencius taught Righteousness. When Righteousness is exhausted, Benevolence is attained. What have we learned from studying the works of the ancient sages? From now on, I no longer need to be ashamed of myself.
The last words of Wen T’ien-hsiang, grand councilor of the Sung dynasty.”
In the Biography of the Councilor (丞相傳) written by Hu Kuang (胡廣 1369-1418) of the Ming dynasty, the scene of his martyrdom was recorded in this manner:
“Before his execution, he calmly said to the officer: ‘My work is done.’ He asked the people present which direction was north and south, after bowing twice towards the south, he was then put to death.”
Imprisoned for four years, he was unwavering and unyielding. Even though Sung dynasty was vanquished, he buried the Great Sung in his heart and guarded her with body and soul.
First ink rubbing of zither that belonged to Wen T’ien-hsiang
I have a treasured hanging scroll with the ink rubbing of a zither that belonged to Wen T’ien-hsiang. There is an engraved inscription on the zither with his calligraphy. It reads:
“Wind through pine trees sweeps my bed,
Drizzling rain more like mist.
As an official to provinces far and wide,
Not a quiet lonely moment to tell.
In front of this fine zither by myself,
All worldly thoughts are cast aside.
Many times the Emperor has honoured me,
Surely my grand ambitions mustn’t wane.
In the 1st year of the Ching-yen reign, the Emperor requested my presence at court. Staying at Ch’ing-yüan Temple for the night, my reminiscence is laden with emotions. I composed this poem to be used on the zither. Wen-shan.”
Engraved poem on zither composed and written by Wen T’ien-hsiang
There are two engraved seals with these words:
“Benevolence is attained when Righteousness is exhausted (仁至義盡)”
“Seal of T’ien-hsiang, Sung-jui (天祥宋瑞之章)”.
Two engraved seal impressions on zither
Seven years before Wen T’ien-hsiang’s martyrdom, on 5 February of the 2nd year of the Te-yu reign, 21 February 1276, Emperor Kung-tsung (恭宗) of the Sung dynasty led his ministers and officials to surrender to the Yüan dynasty in the provisional capital Lin-an. Wen T’ien-hsiang hired a boat and fled in the night. He arrived in Chen-chiang of Kiangsu Province on 18 February. He then travelled onwards to Chen-chou of Kiangsu on 1 March, Wen-chou of Chekiang Province on 4 April, and finally reached the provisional capital Fu-an on 26 May. On 1 May, Prince Yi (益王) ascended the throne in Fu-an of Fujian Province, becoming Emperor Tuan-tsung (端宗) and changing the name of the reign to Ching-yen. Upon Wen T’ien-hsiang’s arrival in Fu-an, he was appointed grand master for thorough counsel, right grand councilor, military affairs commissioner, and chief military commissioner. The engraving on the zither was certainly made after 1 May.
Portrait of Emperor Tuan-tsung from the Sung dynasty
In Annual Records (紀年錄), Wen T’ien-hsiang wrote: “On 1 May Emperor Ching-yen ascended the throne in Fu-an, changing the name of the reign. As an academician reader-in-waiting of the Kuan-wen Hall, I was summoned to the provisional capital. On the 26th day of the same month, I arrived at the city gate of the provisional capital.”
Foreword page in The Works of Mr. Wen-shan (Wen T’ien-hsiang). Photograph courtesy Library of Congress
Annual Records in The Works of Mr. Wen-shan (Wen T’ien-hsiang). Photograph courtesy Library of Congress
Portrait of Wen T’ien-hsiang in The Works of Mr. Wen-shan (Wen T’ien-hsiang). Photograph courtesy Library of Congress
The words engraved on the zither: “the Emperor requested my presence at court” refer to the summons from Emperor Ching-yen to the provisional capital Fu-an. The other engraved words: “Staying at Ch’ing-yüan Temple for the night” refer to a temple in Ch’ing-yüan Mountain in Chi-chou, now known as Chi-an of Kiangsi Province. Wen T’ien-hsiang left the provisional capital on 4 July and arrived in Nan-chien, now Nan-p’ing of Fukien Province, on 13 July. He established an administration, gathered troops, stockpiled provisions and planned to recover Kiangsi. On 1 October, he led his troops to T’ing-chou, now Chang-t’ing of Fukien. At the time, Liu Shu (劉洙) was rallying loyalist volunteer forces in Kiangsi to join Wen T’ien-hsiang. Additionally, Wu Chün (吳浚) was sent to Jui-chin of Kiangsi in order to take Yü-tu of Kiangsi. Chao Shih-shang (趙時賞) was sent to recover Ning-tu of Kiangsi, passing through Shih-ch’eng of Kiangsi. As fighting took place in various regions of Kiangsi, “Spending the night at Ch’ing-yüan Temple” refer to a night in the winter of the 1st year of Ching-yen reign (1276) when Wen T’ien-hsiang was in Kiangsi himself. The engraved words “my reminiscence is laden with emotions” refer to that same night in the winter of the 1st year of Ching-yen reign, when Wen T’ien-hsiang reflected on the favour and trust bestowed by Emperor Tuan-tsung earlier that year.
On the body of the zither, Wen T’ien-hsiang had a seal engraved with the words: “Benevolence is attained when Righteousness is exhausted”. Seven years later, as he faced martyrdom, he wrote these last words: “Confucius taught Benevolence, Mencius taught Righteousness. When Righteousness is exhausted, Benevolence is attained.” These sentences from different times reinforce and validate each other. We can thus tell that loyalty and righteousness are not qualities that can be attained instantaneously, they are dedications meditated upon at all time, for months and years.
Inscription on the right by Wu T’ing-k’ang
On the top right of the ink rubbing of the zither, Wu T’ing-k’ang (吳廷康) of Ch’ing dynasty inscribed these words:
“A Zither that belonged to Wen Hsin-kuo Kung. Tso-ch’ing (左卿) my elder friend asked me to inscribe this. Wang Chia-mên (汪稼門) from my hometown borrowed the zither to make ink rubbings, thence on there are ink rubbings of the zither in the world. In wu-hsü (戊戌) year of the Tao-kuang reign, Circuit Intendant Tung-ch’uan (東川), a descendant of Wen Hsin-kuo Kung, acquired the zither from Chang Yü-t’ien (張于田) from Hou-kuan, ensuring a befitting place for the zither. I was asked to make some ink rubbings, and presented this copy as a gift.”
Seal impression: “Yüan-sheng (元生)”.
This ink rubbing was handmade by Wu T’ing-k’ang (吳廷康). Wu T’ing-k’ang was born in 1799, tzu Yüan-sheng (元生), hao Kang-fu (康甫), Tsan-fu (贊甫), Tsan-fu (贊府), Chin-chai (晉齋), and Ju-chih (茹芝) in his later years. He was a native of T'ung-ch’eng of Anhui Province. He served as an official in central Chekiang for several decades. He was an expert in epigraphy, seal script, clerical script, seal engraving and bamboo carving. He painted occasionally as well.
The zither that belonged to Wen T’ien-hsiang was originally in the art collection of Chang Yü-t’ien (張于田) from Hou-kuan. In wu-hsü (戊戌) year of the Tao-kuang reign, it was acquired by Tung-ch’uan (東川), a descendant of Wen T’ien-hsiang. Wang Chia-mên (汪稼門) then borrowed it for the purpose of making ink rubbings. Wu-hsü year of the Tao-kuang reign is the equivalent of the 18th year of the Tao-kuang reign, which corresponds to 1838. Wang Chia-mên (汪稼門) was born in 1743 and passed away in 1818. His original name was Chih-i (志伊), a native of T’ung-ch’eng of Anhui Province. He served as prefect of Chen-chiang of Kiangsu Province, intendant of Su-sung Grain Tax Circuit, surveillance commissioner, and provincial administration commissioner of Kansu Province.
Portrait of Wu Hsi-ch’i
A Song Dedicated to the Zither that Belonged to Grand Councilor Wen T’ien-hsiang in The Poetry Collection of Yu-cheng-wei Chai Volume Three by Wu Hsi-ch’i
On the lower left side of the ink rubbing, A Song Dedicated to the Zither that Belonged to Grand Councilor Wen T’ien-hsiang (文丞相琴歌) by Wu Hsi-ch’i (吳錫麒) of the Ch’ing dynasty, was inscribed by Wu An-yeh (吳安業), grandson of Wu Hsi-ch’i. The words are:
“Upper strings rattle like wind through pine,
Lower strings surge like Ya-shan waves.
The pluck and strum in days of yore,
Rocks were cracked and heaven shook.
From Yung-chia City to Ch’ing-yüan Temple,
Sleepless nights in rain and gloom.
Brushing the seven strings from the trunk,
A poem to sing a loyalist’s tears.
Beneath hefty clouds mountain spirits wept,
Fathomless gratitude to Emperor’s favours.
Grand Councilor’s zither is sorrowful indeed,
No more different to Grand Councilor’s heart.
Remember he nearly died of hunger in the war,
Who will now mourn the Imperial grave?
The end of Ching-yen could be foreseen,
Yet he was gallant and driven all the same.
A prisoner at Wu-p’o Ridge,
A captive ship at Ling-ding Sea,
Pitiful passages of gut-wrenching pain.
Try spend a night on Ch’ing-yüan Mountain,
Listen to the sad tune of dragon’s moan.
Born in the south and killed in the north,
Only a lonely zither with bygone words.
An old friend kept his fabled ink stone,
Grieving him with a scepter at forlorn Hsi-t’ai.
Alas! Lacquer finish worn by five centuries of woe,
Where is the Grand Councillor’s ship at berth?
Across majestic mountains and flowing rivers,
His noble heart is still with us here.
He wishes to be dressed in ceremonial robe,
To travel the old country once more.
The poem A Song Dedicated to the Zither that Belonged to Grand Councilor Wen T’ien-hsiang (文丞相琴歌) was composed by my grandfather, the chancellor of the Directorate of Education. It was published in Yu-cheng-wei Chai Collection (有正味齋集). The master of Lung-yen Ts’ao-t’ang (龍巖草堂主人) requested me to inscribe this poem next to the ink rubbing. On the 7th day after li-tung (立冬), ting-ssu (丁巳) year, in the 7th year of the Hsien-feng reign (1857), Wu An-yeh (吳安業), a sojourner in Yüan-chiang. ”
Seal impression: “The seal of Wu Yüan-tse (吳源澤印).”
The 7th day after li-tung (立春), ting-ssu (丁巳) year, in the 7th year of the Hsien-feng reign, corresponds to 14 November 1857.
Inscription on the left by Wu An-yeh
Wu An-yeh was born in 1808 and passed away in 1886. His original name was Shu-ch’i (樹杞), later he changed his name to Ying (穎), then to An-yeh (安業), tzu Chang-hsien (杖仙), Shang-hsien (尚先), Yüan-tse (源澤), hao Yüan-chiang Chi-k’ei (袁江寄客). Son of Wu Ch’ing-p’eng (吳清鵬), grandson of Wu Hsi-ch’i (吳錫麒). He was a native of Ch’ien-t’ang of Chekiang Province. He attained the chü-jen (舉人) degree in chia-wu (甲午) year of the Tao-kuang reign (1834) and was appointed reserve district magistrate. He was skilled in calligraphy and proficient in medicine. His works include Drafts from Hsiao Hsieh-ch’uan Studio (小斜川室初稿) in two volumes and Li-yüeh pien-wen (理瀹駢文).
The sentence “my grandfather, the chancellor of the Directorate of Education” refers to Wu Hsi-ch’i (吳錫麒), born in 1746 and passed away in 1818. His tzu was Shêng-ching (聖徵), hao Ku-jen (穀人). He was a native of Ch’ien-t’ang, Chekiang Province. He attained the chin-shih degree in the 40th year of the Ch’ien-lung reign (1775). In the 6th year of the Chia-ch’ing reign (1801), he was appointed chancellor of the Directorate of Education, in charge of An-ting Academy in Yang-chou. He was skilled in calligraphy, particularly in regular and running scripts, and was celebrated for his poetry. His works include Yu-cheng-wei Chai Collection (有正味齋集). A Song Dedicated to the Zither that Belonged to Grand Councilor Wen T’ien-hsiang can be found in The Poetry Collection of Yu-cheng-wei Chai Volume Three (有正味齋詩集卷三).
Collector seal with the words “Profound transmission” on the upper left
Collector seal with the words “Previously at T’ien Chi-tzu’s place in Pingchou” on the lower right
There are two collectors’ seals on the ink rubbing of the zither. The words are:
“Profound transmission (妙傳)”
“Previously at T’ien Chi-tzu’s place in Ping-chou (曾在並州田季子處).”
I have seen several ink rubbings of the zither that belonged to Wen Hsin-kuo Kung, all handmade by Wu T’ing-k’ang, but with inscriptions by various eminent scholars.
Second ink rubbing of zither that belonged to Wen T’ien-hsiang
Inscription on the right by Wu T’ing-k’ang
On one of the ink rubbings of the zither, the inscription by Wu T’ing-k’ang accounted in detail the provenance of the zither. The text reads:
“When the zither was still in the collection of Ho Shu (何述) from Hou-kuan, it was accompanied by an album seven to eight inches thick, with inscriptions and poems by eminent gentlemen of the Tung-lin Academy in the Ming dynasty, as well as gentlemen from the current dynasty. Later, the zither was passed down from the collection of Li Ch’iu-t’an (李秋潭) to that of Chang Yü-t’ien (張于田), each kept it for thirty to forty years. Then Mr. Wang Chia-mên (汪稼門) and Mr. Wang Lan-kai (王蘭陔) began to make ink rubbings of the zither. When Chang Yü-t’ien was posted to Chih-chiang, he brought the zither along with him. Ch’ên Shuo-shih (陳碩士), minister of the Ministry of Rites, from Hsin-ch’eng borrowed it for viewing and asked me to make some ink rubbings. I also befriended Yü-t’ien through our common literary interests, and got to know the provenance of the zither. Now, Provincial Administration Commissioner Tung-ch’uan (東川) from Wu-men, the 18th generation descendant of Wen T’ien-hsiang, is serving as the surveillance commissioner of Ho-tung. He sought to return the zither to the shrine of Wen T’ien-hsiang. Yü-t’ien was so touched that he gifted the zither to him, to ensure a befitting permanent depository. Mr. Chou-chuang (籀莊) instructed me to chronicle this.”
Wen T’ien-hsiang’s zither passed through successive collectors: Ho Shu from Hou-kuan, Li Ch’iu-t’an and Chang Yü-t’ien (張于田) in the Ch’ing dynasty. During late Ming and early Ch’ing, there was an album of poems and inscriptions nearly seven to eight inches thick by prominent figures. After countless calamities, the zither and the album have likely turned to ashes. We are now only left with profound yearning. Tung-ch’uan, the 18th generation descendant of Wen T’ien-hsiang, sought to return the zither to the ancestral shrine, to provide a befitting depository. Moved by Tung-ch’uan’s filial piety and Wen T’ien-hsiang’s loyalty, Chang Yü-t’ien generously gave the zither away as a gift. Such was the ancient spirit of scholars in the past. Unfortunately, it is unclear whether the shrine refers to the shrine in Chi-an of Kiangsi Province, Tung-ch’eng of Peking, Lu-ch’eng of Wen-chou or Nan-shan of Shen-chen.
In The Poetry Collection of Yu-cheng-wei Chai Volume Three (有正味齋詩集第三卷) by Wu Hsi-ch’i, there is an Introduction to A Song Dedicated to the Zither that Belonged to Grand Councilor Wen T’ien-hsiang. The Introduction begins with the sentence: “The zither has been in the collection of the Ho family in Fukien”. It seemed to imply that the zither had been in the Ho family collection for several generations.
The name “Mr. Chou-chuang” mentioned in the sentence “Mr. Chou-chuang (籀莊) instructed me to chronicle this” refers to Hsü T’ung-pai (徐同柏). He was born in 1775 and passed away in 1854. According to the Extended Biographies of Seal Engravers (廣印人傳), Hsü T’ung-pai (徐同柏) was originally named Ta-ch’un (大椿), tzu Chou-chuang (籀莊). He attained the kung-sheng (貢生) degree and was a native of Chia-hsing. He studied under his maternal uncle Chang Ting-chi (張廷濟 1768-1848) who was well-versed with the Six Methods regarding the formation and usage of Chinese characters. He also had extensive knowledge of ancient texts and unusual characters. Whenever Chang encountered ancient artefacts, he would always invite Hsü to study with him together. Hsü wrote Tsung-ku T’ang k’uan-shih hsüeh (從古堂款識學) in sixteen volumes, and most of Chang’s personal seals were carved by Hsü. Hsü was also skilled in poetry and wrote Draft Poems from Tsung-ku T’ang (從古堂吟稿).”
Third ink rubbing of zither that belonged to Wen T’ien-hsiang
The zither that belonged to Wen T’ien-hsiang had been the subject of poems by many notable figures, such as Chiang Shih-chüan (蔣士銓 1725-1784) who wrote A Poem Dedicated to the Zither that Belonged to Grand Councilor Wen T’ien-hsiang (文信國琴詩), Lu Yüan-hung (陸元鋐 1750-1819) also wrote A Poem Dedicated to the Zither that Belonged to Grand Councilor Wen T’ien-hsiang (文信國琴詩), Yang Hsieh (楊澥 1781-1850) wrote A Poem After Viewing the Zither Ink Rubbing of Grand Councilor Wen T’ien-hsiang (觀文信國琴景本詩), Ch’u Chung-jung (瞿中溶 1769-1842) wrote A Poem for the Zither Ink Rubbing of Grand Councilor Wen T’ien-hsiang (題文信國琴拓本詩).
Hanging scroll with impressions of seals that belonged to Wen T’ien-hsiang of Sung dynasty and Shih K’ei-fa of Ming dynasty
I have a treasured hanging scroll impressed with the seals of Grand Councilor Wen T’ien-hsiang of the Sung dynasty (960-1279) and Grand Secretary Shih K’ei-fa (史可法) of the Ming dynasty (1368-1644). It was put together by Ko Ch’ang-ying (葛昌楹). How fortuitous that the ink rubbing of the zither that belonged to Wen T’ien-hsiang, along with the impressions of seals that belonged to Wen T’ien-hsiang and Shih K’ei-fa, can be displayed simultaneously to complement each other in my faraway abode across the strait!
Two seals were impressed on the hanging scroll. On the right is a seal impression with the words “Seal of Wen T’ien-hsiang (文天祥印)”. On the left is a seal impression with the words “Tao-lin (道鄰)”.
Detail of seal impressions
The inscription by the collector Ko Ch’ang-ying from the early Republican period reads:
“Seals from Grand Councilor Wen and Grand Secretary Shih. The Wen-shan jade seal has a turtle-shaped knob with no side inscription. The Tao-lin bronze seal has an inverted pot-shaped knob and was made by Chu-ko Yung-nien (諸葛永年). They are the extant artworks treasured by Chuan-p’u T’ang (傳樸堂) after the plunders. These impressions were made for fellow enthusiasts on 19 March of the fifth chia-shen (甲申) year after the martyrdom of the Ming Emperor Ssu-tsung (思宗). Written by Ko Ch’ang-ying (葛昌楹), Shu-cheng (書徵) from Tang-hu.”
Impressions of personal seals: “Ch’ang (昌)”, “Ying (楹)”.
First detail of inscription by Ko Ch’ang-ying
Second detail of inscription by Ko Ch’ang-ying
In the 17th year of the Chung-cheng reign of the Ming dynasty (1644), Li Tzu-ch’eng (李自成) sacked Peking. On 19 March according to the Chinese agricultural calendar, Emperor Chung-cheng hung himself at Mei-shan (煤山). This date corresponds to 25 April 1644. Three hundred years later, on 19 March of the Chinese agricultural calendar in the 33rd year of the Republic of China, which corresponds to 11 April 1944, also the 7th year of the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, Ko Ch’ang-ying made this vertical scroll. He subsequently wrote these words: “They are the extant artworks treasured by Chuan-p’u T’ang (傳樸堂) after the plunders.” Five years earlier, in the autumn of the 28th year of the Republic of China (1939), the four major seal collectors Ko Ch’ang-ying (葛昌楹), Ting Fu-chih (丁輔之 1879-1949), Kao Lo-yüan (高絡園 1886-1976) and my great uncle Yü Hsü-wen (俞序文 1897-1942) were deeply worried that their seal collections would be completely obliterated by war, so together they compiled The Extant Seals from Ting-ch’ou Year Calamity (丁丑劫餘印存) and made twenty one copies. It was a monumental publication in the field of seal collecting. Ting-ch’ou (丁丑) year corresponds to the 26th year of the Republic (1937), when the Marco Polo Bridge Incident broke out on 7 July, starting full-scale war between China and Japan.
Group portrait of eminent seal collectors during the early Republican era. Ko Ch’ang-ying seated second from the left
Front cover of The Extant Seals from Ting-ch’ou Year Calamity
Title page of The Extant Seals from Ting-ch’ou Year Calamity
Inside page of The Extant Seals from Ting-ch’ou Year Calamity
Seal impression on the left reads “Tao-lin (道鄰)”, which is the hao of Shih K’ei-fa. This is his personal seal. Shih K’ei-fa was born in 1602 and became a martyr in 1645. His tzu was Hsien-chih (憲之), hao Tao-lin (道鄰). He was honoured posthumously during the Yung-li reign with the name Wen-chung (文忠). He was a native of Ta-hsing in Shun-tian Prefecture, but he was originally from Kai-feng Prefecture, Ho-nan Province.
In the first year of the T’ien-ch’i reign (1621), he attained the hsiu-ts’ai (秀才) degree through public examination presided over by Tso Kuang-tou (左光斗 1575-1625), who endorsed him to be the top graduate. In the 5th year of the T’ien-ch’i reign (1625), Tso Kuang-tou died in the political prison controlled by eunuchs. In Anecdotes of Tso Chung-i Kung (左忠毅公軼事) by Fang Pao (方苞 1668-1749), the relationship between Tso and Shih was recounted. This essay became a renowned literary work. Shih K’ei-fa attained the chü-jen degree in the 7th year of the T’ien-ch’i reign (1627). He then attained the chin-shih degree in the 1st year of the Chung-cheng reign (1628).
He served as administrative assistant of Sian Prefecture, squad leader of the Yunnan Bureau of Ministry of Revenue, director of Office for Granaries and Storehouses, director of Ministry of Revenue, right assistant administration commissioner of Kiangsi Province, military defense circuit of An-ch’i, military defense circuit of An-lu, governor of An-lu, right vice minister of the Ministry of Revenue, right assistant censor-in-chief, and minister of war in Nanking.
In the 17th year of the Chung-cheng reign (1644), after the sacking of the capital by Li Tzu-ch’eng (李自成) and the suicide of the emperor, Shih K’ei-fa along with other loyal officials, rallied the people to rise up to support Ming dynasty. The Ch’ing army joined forces with the army of Wu San-kuei (吳三桂), and decisively defeated the army of Li Tzu-ch’eng. In May, the Ch’ing army entered Peking. Prince Fu (福王) succeeded the throne and appointed Shih K’ei-fa as minister of the Ministry of Rites and grand secretary of the East Hall. In June, Shih K’ei-fa was appointed to defend Yang-chou. In the first year of the Hung-kuang reign (1645), Shih K’ei-fa was promoted to grand mentor and grand secretary of the Hall of Utmost Achievements. On 18 April the Ch’ing army besieged Yang-chou.
Ch’üan Tzu-wang (全祖望 1705-1755) recorded the final moments with these words:
“Minister Shih knew that the situation was hopeless. He gathered his generals and said: ‘I have sworn to die with the city. However, I must not fall into enemy hands alive during a state of chaos. Who will carry out this act of honour when the time comes?’ Deputy general Shih Te-wei (史德威) sighed and accepted the assignment.”
Portrait of Emperor Chung-cheng from the Ming dynasty
On 25 April in the 1st year of the Hung-kuang reign, which corresponds to 20 May 1645, the Ch’ing army mounted the city wall. Shih K’ei-fa tried to use his sword to kill himself. He was interrupted by his military advisor and did not die. Dozens of people surrounded him and carried him down the city wall to the East Gate, where he was then captured. Prince Yü (豫王) of Ch’ing treated him like an honoured guest and urged him to surrender. Afterwards the Ch’ing army slaughtered the city of Yang-chou. In history, this is known as “The Ten Days of Yang-chou”
Portrait of Grand Secretary Shih K’ei-fa
In the 7th year of the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, which corresponds to the fifth chia-shen (甲申) year after the martyrdom of the Ming Emperor Ssu-tsung, Ko Ch’ang-ying made impressions of the seals that belonged to the two great Chinese patriots in history, one from the Sung one from the Ming, to express admiration for their devotion and valour. He presented these sheets to friends as gifts, with allusion to his own steadfastness and resolve.
Portrait of Ko Ch’ang-ying
Ko Ch’ang-ying (葛昌楹) was born in 1893 and passed away in 1963. His tzu was Shu-cheng (書徵), hao Yen-lu (晏廬). He was a native of P’ing-hu, Chekiang Province. His father was Ssu-t’ung (嗣浵), who had a library at home named Chuan-p’u T’ang (傳樸堂) for his book collection, and a studio named Ai-jih Yin-lu (愛日吟廬) to store his painting collection. The library was reputed to be the finest in western Chekiang. Ko Ch’ang-ying was skilled in calligraphy and painting. He also excelled in art connoisseurship. He was especially devoted to the art of seal engraving. He produced many compilations of seal impressions.
Wen Hsin-kuo Kung of the Sung Dynasty held the position of right grand councilor and died a martyr on 9 December in the 19th year of the Chih-yüan reign, which corresponds to 9 January 1283. Grand secretary Shih k’ei-fa held the position of grand secretary of the East Hall and died a martyr on 25 April in the 1st year of the Hung-kuang reign, which corresponds to 20 May 1645. There is a distance of 362 years between their years of death. While one resisted the invading Monguls, the other opposed the invading Manchus. They embarked on the same journey in different periods of history.
Portrait of President Chiang Kai-shek
Two hundred and eighty nine years after Shih K’ei-fa became a martyr for the country, in the 26th year of the Republic of China (1937), Japan launched a full-scale invasion of China. The late President Chiang Kai-shek led the nation in an eight year war against Japan, defeating her in the end. As a result, China emerged as one of the world’s four major powers. It is also the first time in a thousand years China managed to successfully repel foreign invasion.
Entrance arch of Lushan Officer Training Corps with the words “Martial Spirit” written by President Chiang Kai-shek
In the 22nd year of the Republic of China (1933), following the national army's unsuccessful attempt to suppress the communist insurgents, President Chiang Kai-shek ordered selective military officers to participate in the Lushan Officer Training Corps (廬山軍官訓練團). There were three training sessions from July 18 to September 18. The Lushan Officer Training Corps was located near Hai-hui Temple on Mount Wu-lao in Kiangsi Province (江西廬山五老峰海會寺). At the Training Corps entrance, there was a wooden archway with a horizontal plaque bearing the words “Martial Spirit” (軍人魂) written by President Chiang Kai-shek. President Chiang instructed Hsiung Shih-hui (熊式輝), chairman of Kiangsi Provincial Government, to print and distribute the Song of Righteousness by Wen T’ien-hsiang to army officers. Six hundred and fifty years after the martyrdom of Wen T’ien-hsiang, his spirit of benevolence and righteousness was still able to move people from complacency and decline. During the two wars against the Japanese and the communists, tens of millions of Chinese, inspired by benevolence and righteousness, sacrificed themselves for the Republic of China. Is it not that human hearts were reawakened by divine order and moral guidelines?
Hand written letter from President Chiang Kai-shek to Hsiung Shih-hui
On 16 July in the 22nd year of the Republic of China (1933), President Chiang wrote a letter to Chairman Hsiung Shih-hui. It reads:
“Chairman Hsiung: How is the hot weather today? I am most concerned. Please use annotations to explain the Song of Righteousness and its contents. For instance, explain ‘Liao-tung Hat’ in the sentence ‘or to emulate the man known as Liao-tung Hat.’ Do include details of such stories and related names. Please print 10,000 copies of this booklet in an elegant style and make it small. I hope it can be produced within ten days to be sent to Lushan Officer Training Corps. Chung-cheng.”
The first training session of Lushan Officer Training Corps began on 18 July in the 22nd year of the Republic, ending on 4 August. President Chiang intended to give away the Song of Righteousness by Wen T’ien-hsiang to the graduating officers, hence with some urgency he wrote: “I hope it can be printed within ten days.”
In autumn this year, I respectfully hung the hanging scroll with ink rubbing of the zither that belonged to Grand Councilor Wen Hsin-kuo Kung, and the hanging scroll with impressions of seals that belonged to Grand Councilor Wen and Grand Secretary Shih in the drawing room. Ancient music from Ch’ing-yüan Temple deep in the night, mirage of the Great Sung army across Ya-shan Sea, tearful scholars writing poems to extol the zither, soil soaked in blood after the fall of Yang-chou, making seal impressions in the middle of the Sino-Japanese War, call to resurrect the national soul by Lushan Officer Training Corps, scene after scene, through these fleeting images, hazily I see China once more.
Detail of engraved seal with the words “Benevolence is attained when Righteousness is exhausted”
