Su Shi (1037–1101) was a preeminent literatus, poet, calligrapher, and painter of the Northern Song dynasty. His courtesy name was Zizhan, and he adopted the literary sobriquet “Dongpo Jushi” (Householder of the Eastern Slope). Born in Meishan, Meizhou (in present-day Sichuan Province), he is collectively known with his father Su Xun and younger brother…
Taiping Yulan (Imperial Readings of the Taiping Era) is a monumental Chinese encyclopedia compiled during the early Northern Song dynasty. Commissioned by Emperor Taizong of Song, it was edited by a team of scholars led by Li Fang, along with Li Mu, Xu Xuan, and others. Work began in 977 CE (the second year…
Wang Anshi (1021–1086) was a preeminent statesman, reformer, and literary figure of the Northern Song dynasty. His courtesy name was Jiefu, and he adopted the sobriquet Banshan (“Half Hill”). Born in Linchuan, Fuzhou (modern-day Fuzhou, Jiangxi Province), Wang passed the imperial civil service examination in 1042 (the second year of the Qingli reign).
Fan Zhongyan (989–1052 CE) was a distinguished statesman, military strategist, and literary figure of the Northern Song dynasty. His courtesy name was Xiwen, and he was posthumously honored with the title “Wenzheng” – a mark of high moral and scholarly esteem. He was a native of Wu County, Suzhou (modern-day Suzhou, Jiangsu).