The Kangxi Emperor’s Calligraphy and Rulership

(Images source: National Palace Museum)

The Kangxi Emperor (r. 1662–1722) is known for his enthusiasm for the art of calligraphy. What we know about its political significance is far from complete. Most studies tackled with the emperor’s act of bestowing calligraphy. Little regard has been paid to what he transcribed.
To expand our understanding of the emperor’s calligraphic activities, my research aspires to study the works in which the emperor transcribes his original literary compositions. They are an important part of his oeuvre but have largely been neglected. This study plans to uncover the historical circumstances that induced the creation of these works, investigate how they conveyed political messages, and, ultimately, demonstrate how the emperor used calligraphy and rhetoric to respond to political challenges and solidify his rule. It aspires to formulate a new perspective to study the politics of imperial calligraphy aside from the predominant “bestowing calligraphy” framework.