The volume of " Imperial Edict Scroll", handed down as the power of Liu Gongquan , paper, line, 26.8 cm in length, 57.4 cm across.
Transcription:
I, Gongquan, have received the imperial edict to serve in the Hanlin Academy. My position is one of leisure and tranquility. Family and relatives have entrusted me with requests, but who would be willing to respond? I deeply appreciate and feel fortunate for your understanding. Presented by Gongquan.
The scroll bears seals from various collectors and connoisseurs, including Song dynasty seals "Shaoxing," "Ruiwen Tushu," "Xianzhi Shang",Yuan dynasty seals "Zhao Shi Ziang," "Qiao Shi Kuicheng," "Qi Jun Zhang Shenshi Xing", Ming dynasty seal "Fengshi Lu'an Zhencang Tujiyin" (Precious Collection of Feng Family's Deer Hermitage), Qing dynasty seals "An Qi zhi Yin," "Wang Changzong," "Chen Shi Yanlian," "Han Shinen Yin," "Han Fengxi Yin".
This letter is attributed to Liu Gongquan and is said to inform the recipient of his advanced age and declining health, explaining that while he holds a position of relative leisure, he is limited in his ability to assist others with significant matters. He asks for the recipient's understanding of his difficulties.
The "Continuation of the Orchid Pavilion Posts" compiled during the Southern Song dynasty includes the "Hanlin Post" (also known as the "Imperial Edict Post"), which reads:"Public authority has declined due to my advanced age and diminished talents. Recently, I was granted the favor of being released from the Hanlin Academy to hold a position of leisure and tranquility. Family and relatives have entrusted me with requests, but who would be willing to respond? I deeply appreciate your understanding. Respectfully presented by Gongquan." Based on the content, it is inferred that this letter was likely written during the reign of Emperor Wenzong, when Liu Gongquan served as a scholar and edict writer in the Hanlin Academy. However, the phrase "out on duty at the Hanlin Academy" in this letter does not align with the official titles and responsibilities of the time. Therefore, it is possible that this letter was written by a Song dynasty person based on the general meaning of the "Hanlin Post." The calligraphy in the first four lines is relatively bold and smooth, with well-composed characters. However, the strokes become gradually thinner and the characters more loosely structured in the subsequent lines. The final "Quan" character is particularly poorly constructed, which differs significantly from Liu Gongquan's robust, graceful, and vigorous style. These characteristics suggest that this letter is not by Liu Gongquan but is instead a Song dynasty imitation.
Catalogue References include Dongtu Xuanlan" (Eastern Pavilion Review) by Zhan Jingfeng,"Nanyang Shuhua Biao" (Nanyang Catalogue of Calligraphy and Painting) and "Zhenji Rilu" (Daily Record of Authentic Works) by Zhang Chou in Ming dynasty as well as "Moyuan Huiguan" (Comprehensive View of Calligraphy and Painting) by An Qi in Qing dynasty.
