After the birthday wishes, Paul took his gift and respectfully presented it to Old Godwin. “Grandpa, I happened upon a calligraphy copy. Please have a look at it.”
The moment Old Godwin heard the words “calligraphy copy,” his eyes lit up. Throughout his life, he had two great passions: antique jade and calligraphy copies.
A servant received the gift box from Paul and opened it in front of Old Godwin. Inside lay a letter with a vintage feel.
Paul raised his voice, saying, “Grandpa, this letter was found in the interlayer of a painting from 600 hundred years ago. After expert authentication, it should be a copy of the ‘Clear Skies After Fast Snow’ calligraphy.”
At the mention of “Clear Skies After Fast Snow,” many guests showed astonishment on their faces. As widely known, ‘Clear Skies After Fast Snow’ was a cursive calligraphy piece created by the famous Chinese calligrapher Wang Xizhi. The original, a paper-based ink masterpiece, is currently housed in the Taipei Palace Museum.
However, the Taipei Palace Museum holds a replica, not the authentic piece, as the original has long been lost.
‘Clear Skies After Fast Snow’ comprises four lines and 28 characters. It was written as a letter, expressing the author’s greetings to friends and family in a cheerful mood during the clear skies after heavy snowfall.
The calligraphy alternates between regular and cursive scripts, flowing and stopping, creating a unique rhythmic pattern. The strokes are robust and ancient, with every stroke purposeful, conveying a sense of leisurely elegance. Even occasional shifts in balance to the left or right do not compromise the overall harmonious and stable aesthetic.
‘Clear Skies After Fast Snow’ is acclaimed as the “28 Li Pearls” and, along with Wang Xianzhi’s ‘Mid-Autumn Letter’ and Wang Xun’s ‘Bo Yuan Letter,’ is collectively referred to as the “Three Treasures,” with this piece holding the first position.
To say the least, if Paul’s presented letter was indeed an authentic ‘Clear Skies After Fast Snow,’ its value would be no less than that of the Orchid Pavilion Preface, truly an invaluable treasure.
The mention of ‘Clear Skies After Fast Snow’ ignited Old Godwin’s excitement, momentarily causing him to forget about the ongoing birthday celebration. Urging the servant to find gloves, Old Godwin trembled as he carefully took out the ancient letter.
While the corners of the letter showed signs of wear, the characters remained unharmed.
Old Godwin’s entire being was captivated by this calligraphy, and he seemed to have forgotten the ongoing birthday celebration. Witnessing Old Godwin’s demeanor, Paul felt pleased and satisfied. He glanced at Marsh and others before continuing, “Grandpa, after professional examination, it was confirmed that the paper used in this calligraphy is the unique silkworm cocoon paper of the Eastern Jin period. Combined with the age verification, it should be an authentic ‘Clear Skies After Fast Snow.'”
As Paul finished speaking, the initial shock and delight on Old Godwin’s face rapidly faded, eventually settling into calmness.
Old Godwin placed the letter back into the gift box, removed his gloves, sighed, and said with some regret, “The paper of the letter is indeed silkworm cocoon paper, but it’s not from the Eastern Jin period.”
“Dong Jin is over seventeen hundred years old, and cocoon paper should show signs of oxidation. As for the font, it seems to be an imitation by a calligrapher from the late Ming to early Qing Dynasty.”
“The ‘Clear Skies After Fast Snow’ exhibits strokes full of emotions, with no sharp edges visible in hooks or picks.”
“It emphasizes a rounded and robust brushstroke, with a rhythmic rise and fall and a mild elasticity. The primary focus is on concealing the tip with a round brush, maintaining a smooth and stable start and finish, whether light or heavy, fast or slow. The strokes are appropriately pressed and lifted, displaying a relaxed and natural demeanor, hiding strength within.”
“The entire piece exudes an ancient and elegant charm, with a round and delicate finesse. Whether cursive or regular, flowing or halting, every stroke is deliberate, capturing the essence with fluent and beautiful expression.”
“Although this calligraphy deliberately conceals its sharpness, it still gives a feeling of being deliberately ambiguous, lacking the boldness and free-spirited charm unique to Wang Xizhi’s calligraphy.”
Old Godwin’s critique was highly professional. Paul’s face lost its triumphant expression as he couldn’t let go, asking, “Grandfather, is this calligraphy really not an authentic ‘Clear Skies After Fast Snow’?”
Old Godwin revealed a loving smile once again, saying, “Although this is a copy of the ‘Clear Skies After Fast Snow’ and not an original by Wang Xijun, its sense of age makes it valuable for collection, Paul, you’ve put thought into it.”
Paul finally gave up, lowering his head. He knew Old Mr. Godwin had given him face. After all, presenting a fake at a birthday banquet was not a glorious act.
After Paul withdrew with a gloomy mood, Elva stepped forward, holding a square wooden box containing a bright white jade-carved peach.
Elva presented the wooden box to Old Godwin, respectfully saying, “Grandfather, Siying’s gift is a white jade, carved by the renowned master Elmer Frances in the field of jade carving.”
Master Elmer Frances was quite famous in Jingbei, and he was Old Godwin’s favorite jade carver.
The longevity peach symbolized a wish for a long and healthy life. Old Godwin’s face lit up with a smile as he took the box, carefully inspecting the longevity peach. The carving depicted a vigorous pine tree and a crane standing tall, accompanied by two poetic lines: “The crane calculates a thousand years of longevity, the pine’s age brings eternal spring.”
“The carving is minimal yet vivid. Indeed, it’s the work of Master Elmer Frances. Siying, you’ve shown thoughtfulness.” Old Godwin nodded slightly, expressing satisfaction on his face.
Seeing that her gift had pleased Old Mr. Godwin, Elva felt delighted. When she withdrew, she couldn’t help casting a smug and provocative look at Madame Godwin.
Madame Godwin, noticing Elva’s expression, felt somewhat helpless. In the Godwin family, Old Godwin’s greatest affection was for Madame Godwin. This sparked jealousy in Paul and Elva. Consequently, they sometimes intentionally targeted her in front of Old Godwin.
Madame Godwin knew it was time for her to present her gift. She took a covered jade plate from the table, walked up to Old Godwin, and smilingly said, “Grandfather, Madame Godwin also has a jade carving to give you, wishing you happiness every day and a constant smile.”
Seeing Madame Godwin approach, Old Godwin’s smile deepened. He quickly said, “Amelia, let me see what gift you’ve prepared for me.”
Madame Godwin walked to the table next to Old Godwin and placed the jade plate in her hands on the table, gesturing for Old Godwin to unveil the red cloth covering it.
With anticipation, Old Godwin lifted the red cloth with a smile.