“Hundred Longevity”

“Hundred Longevity” Chinese calligraphy is an image composed of one hundred different characters “Longevity.” It is a special-shaped pattern based on the seal script. It is always arranged neatly and written correctly by people. Positive and with a hazy mystical color, it can often produce a unique artistic effect and give people a feeling of magnificence and profound meaning.

The reason why “Hundred Longevity” Chinese calligraphy has become a gift respected by the world lies in its own unique artistic value. Among them, the 100 characters for “Longevity” are all unique and have different fonts, and none of them are similar in terms of word types. There are “Gao Ding,” “Zhou Ding,” “Han Ding,” “Lu Zhuan,” “Yan Wen,” “Oracle Bone Inscriptions,” “Block Inscriptions,” “Tong Shu,” etc. It covers almost all calligraphy styles of famous calligraphers of all dynasties before the Song Dynasty. In a sense, “Hundred Longevity” Chinese calligraphy is also a picture of the evolution of Chinese characters and the history of calligraphy, which can be regarded as a microcosm of the history of Chinese civilization. In the “Hundred Longevity” Chinese calligraphy, we can also see the broadness and profoundness of the Chinese national culture. It is an example of absorbing and tolerating the culture of ethnic minorities, foreign cultures, and religious cultures. The “Jade Emperor’s Astronomy” and “God’s Seal” in the picture are quite mythical and legendary; the “Yaochi Treasure Meaning,” “Sili Buddha Book,” “Western Sanskrit Book,” and so on have a strong Buddhist culture, “Xixia Taishu” It also reflects the integration of Han culture and minority culture, and “Feizhangfu,” “Huangji Seal,” “Qinghuang Junshu,” “Xuanli” and “Emperor Jade Certificate” also reveal the charm of Taoism; in ” The corals, pearls, ivory, etc. in “Jubao Wen” can also vaguely see the historical trajectory of cultural exchanges between China and foreign countries. Among the inscriptions of the “Hundred Years of Life,” there is “Xu Baigong,” “Xu Jiaozong,” “Zheng Shangshu,” “Gao Jiaxian,” “Mrs. Jie,” “Mrs. Huakui,” and other unknown ancient calligraphers. Call it the handiwork of a famous artist. Unfortunately, the ocean of ​​books is vast, and traces are hard to find. Especially for female calligraphers in ancient my country, except for a few of their names in the “Hundred Longevity” Chinese calligraphy, their reputations are rarely seen at home and abroad.

The “Hundred Longevity” Chinese calligraphy has been an excellent gift for people from ancient times to the present, whether it is for common people or emperors and generals. Since the Song Dynasty, it has been regarded as a rare treasure, widely praised and praised by everyone. Although transportation was extremely limited in ancient times, dignitaries and poets from past dynasties still competed to visit and watch. Since the Southern Song Dynasty, there have been workshops specializing in rubbings of “Hundred Longevity” Chinese calligraphy in successive dynasties. Courtiers, dignitaries, scholarly families, and common people are all proud to own a “Hundred Longevity” Chinese calligraphy. Once you get a “Hundred Longevity” Chinese calligraphy picture and hang it in the middle hall, the door will suddenly be illuminated, and guests will rush to see it!

During the Republic of China, it was Chiang Kai-shek’s 50th birthday. Huang Xuchu, chairman of Guangxi Province, brought the “Hundred Longevity” Chinese calligraphy as a birthday gift to Chiang Kai-shek. Later, this exquisite “Hundred Longevity” Chinese calligraphy was used as a government gift to celebrate the birthday of Queen Elizabeth of England. In 1958, Zhou Enlai visited Africa for the first time, which coincided with the birthday of the King of Morocco. Premier Zhou also presented the “Hundred Longevity” Chinese calligraphy as a gift.

Although the above has not been examined in detail, the influence of “Hundred Longevity” Chinese calligraphy and “Hundred Blessing” Chinese calligraphy overseas, especially in Japan, Southeast Asia, and even Europe and the United States, is indeed considerable. Collect for gifts, birthday wishes, hall decorations, etc. Many overseas Chinese regard the “Hundred Blessing (Fortunes)” and “Hundreds of Longevity” as national cultural treasures and regard them as family heirlooms.

The greatest pursuit in life is “good fortune/blessing and longevity.” The “Hundred Longevity” and “Hundred Blessing” Chinese calligraphy are collectively called the “Luxury and Longevity Picture.” They are a cultural treasure of the Chinese nation and an auspicious treasure loved by both the government and the people.

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