Text Series: Works of Wang Xizhi 2 – Preface to the Orchid Pavilion (Two Versions)

Wang Xizhi held the official position of General of the Right Army, and is therefore also known as Wang Right Army. While serving as a local official in Kuaiji County, he hosted a banquet for 42 notable figures of the time, featuring flowing cups and quaking water. The poems composed on this occasion were compiled and written by Wang Xizhi, and the preface to it, known as the Lanting Preface, was written by him. The original copy of the Lanting Preface later passed through the hands of Zhiyong (Authentic Thousand Character Classic), believed to be the seventh-generation grandson of Wang Xizhi, and was placed in the possession of Emperor Taizong of Tang, an avid Wang Xizhi fan. At his command, copies were made by calligraphers (experts in copying handwriting), and copies were left by contemporary masters. However, the original Lanting Preface is said to have been buried with Emperor Taizong's tomb after his death.

The "Chang Jinjie Nu version of the Lanting Preface" included in this book is said to be a copy by Yu Shinan, but this is uncertain. The Chang Jinjie Nu version of the Lanting Preface has been engraved in several collections, including the "Yu Qingzhai Collection" and the "Qiubi Tang Fashu."

Table of Contents
Illustrations (Shenlong Hansin version, Chang Jinjie Nu version) / Modern Japanese translation / Commentary / Character shape and stroke order