Ode to Pied Wagtails-China Archive

Image Number: K2B000059N000000000PAH
Dynasty: Tang dynasty
Category: Calligraphic works
Author: Emperor Xuanzong;Xuanzong;玄宗;李隆基
Form: 卷
Exhibition dimension: 24.5×184.9
Description:
“Ode to Wagtail” is the only remaining script of Emperor Xuanzong of the Tang Dynasty (685-762). It was installed in the horizontal scroll style collected by Chi Chengneifu during the Xuanhe period (1119-1125) at the end of the Northern Song Dynasty. It is called “Xuanhe Suit”. The distinctive feature of this form is that according to certain specifications, the “imperial script” (Hulu seal), “double dragons” (square seal), “double dragons” (round seal), “Xuanhe” (continuous bead print), “Zhenghe”, “Xuanhe”, and “Zhenghe” (continuous bead print) are stamped around the center of the painting, which are collectively called “Xuanhe Seven Seals”. The trailing part shall be affixed with the seal of the Inner House Book. In front of the painting heart, there will also be an autograph written by Zhao Ji (1082-1135), the Emperor Huizong of the Song Dynasty, in the form of a thin golden book. In this piece, there is no Huizong signature and double dragon round seal, and only half of Xuanhe’s and Yushu’s seals are left. It should be cut when later generations repack. However, some scholars have questioned whether this piece is the authentic work of Emperor Xuanzong of the Tang Dynasty.