Zhao Ji
Master of Slender Gold calligraphy and bird-and-flower painting
Emperor Huizong of Song(宋徽宗), Zhao Ji(赵佶) (November 2, 1082 – June 4, 1135), styled Xuanhe Zhuren(宣和主人), was the eighth emperor of the Northern Song Dynasty (reigned from February 23, 1100, to January 18, 1126) and a painter and calligrapher. He was the eleventh son of Emperor Shenzong of Song, Zhao Xu, and the younger brother of Emperor Zhezong, Zhao Xu’s mother was Empress Qinci Chen. He was successively titled Prince of Suining and Prince Duan. In the first month of the third year of Yuanfu (1100), Emperor Zhezong passed away. Since Zhezong had no heir, the Empress Dowager appointed Zhao Ji as emperor, and the following year, he changed the era name to 'Jianzhong Jingguo.'(建中靖国) After ascending the throne, Emperor Huizong enacted new policies, but officials like Cai Jing, appointed under the banner of continuing these new laws, committed all sorts of corruption, causing the political situation to deteriorate rapidly. He excessively pursued a luxurious life, acquiring 'Flower and Stone Tribute' from the south and building the 'Genyue' in Bianjing. Emperor Huizong trusted Taoism, built large temples, and called himself 'The Celestial Emperor of Taoism.' In the first year of Chonghe (1118), he established 26 ranks of Taoist officials and eight Taoist positions. In the third year of Xuanhe (1121), he set up female Taoist recorders and assistant recorders in the three capitals, formally establishing the Taoist academic system. During Huizong’s reign, internal peasant uprisings broke out one after another, including those led by Song Jiang and Fang La, putting the Northern Song Dynasty in a constant state of crisis. In the first year of Jingkang (1126), the Jin army approached the capital. Following Li Gang’s advice, he abdicated in favor of the crown prince, Zhao Huan. In March of the second year of Jingkang (1127), both Emperor Huizong and Emperor Qinzong, Zhao Huan, were captured by the Jin forces. He died in Wuguo City in the 13th year of Jin Tianhui (1135) at the age of 54. In March of the 12th year of Shaoxing of the Southern Song (1142), his coffin was brought back to the Southern Song and buried in Yongyou Mausoleum in Shaoxing. Zhao Ji promoted court painting, gathered many artists, and created the Xuanhe Painting Academy, nurturing several outstanding painters like Wang Ximeng. His organization and compilations of 'Xuanhe Shuxie,' 'Xuanhe Huapu,' and 'Xuanhe Bogu Tu' are considered precious historical references in art history. He also created his own calligraphy style, later known as 'Slender Gold Script.' Zhao Ji’s artistic talent was remarkable, with representative works including 'Hibiscus and Gold Pheasant Picture,' 'Red Smartweed and White Goose Picture,' and 'Autumn Evening at the Pond Picture.'