Zhao Bingwen

Leader of the literary world in the middle and late Jin dynasty, accomplished in poetry, prose, calligraphy and painting alike.

Life

Elder statesman of five reigns

Zhao Bingwen was a native of Fuyang in Cizhou. He passed the jinshi exam at twenty-seven and served under five rulers of Jin: Emperor Shizong, Emperor Zhangzong, Prince Shao of Wei, Emperor Xuanzong and Emperor Aizong, rising to Minister of Rites.

Leader of the literary world

He presided over the literary world for decades, excelling in poetry, prose, calligraphy and painting. He advocated learning from the classical prose of the Tang and Song, and promoted a number of rising talents, including Yuan Haowen.

In a time of national crisis

At the end of the Jin dynasty, when the Mongols invaded from the north, he held out in Kaifeng and drafted edicts on the emperor's behalf. He died in 1232 during the siege of Kaifeng, two years before the Jin dynasty fell.

Legacy

Zhao Bingwen was called "the giant among Jin scholars" and was the most important figure in Jin literature as it passed from its height into decline.

Major works & achievements

• Poetry, prose, calligraphy and painting

Did you know? Yuan Haowen, whom he mentored, went on to become the greatest poet of the Jin–Yuan transition.

Key dates

• 1185Passed the jinshi exam
• 1220Led the literary world (approx.)
• 1232Died during the siege of Kaifeng