Chapter 370: Authentic works of Li Bai! Du Fu! Wang Xizhi! A Sensation Across the Internet! (1)
Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation
“The most exceptional cursive calligraphy piece in the world?”
Upon hearing this, Zhang Shaowei immediately thought of the
‘Autobiographical Essay. ‘
“Yes, the piece that holds the finest cursive calligraphy, is none other than the
‘Autobiographical Essay!’”
Luo Feng nodded in affirmation.
To the layman, understanding cursive script can be a daunting task. Even for entry-level calligraphers, comprehension may not be instantaneous.
However, mastery simplifies the task considerably.
Being hailed as the finest cursive calligraphy, the ‘Autobiographical Essay’ undoubtedly had its merits.
The work consisted of approximately 698 characters.
Its length was extraordinary, virtually unparalleled.
Hence, it was referred to as the finest in the world.
“Could this be an authentic piece?” Zhang Shaowei asked, astounded. Luo Feng merely brushed the surface, and a system prompt appeared.
[ Calligraphy Piece! Tang Dynasty! Valued at 800 million!]
“Indeed, it is authentic!” Luo Feng confirmed with a nod. If the system appraised it at eight hundred million, then it could not possibly be a counterfeit.
“What about the piece that’s contained at Taiwan? Don’t they have the ‘Autobiographical Essay’ there?” Zhang Shaowei asked, puzzled.
“That is a handwritten copy. Many museums, aware that the original has not appeared on the market, claim their handwritten versions are authentic. This fact is something you as museum professionals should be well aware of.”
Luo Feng’s statement might offend many museums.
However, it was the bitter truth.
Many museums, knowing that the original artifact has not surfaced in the market, claim their own versions are the originals, so long as they can convincingly pass them off as such.
‘”Autobiographical Essays’ like this were widely circulated during the Song and Yuan dynasties, with at least five or six versions in the Song dynasty and seven or eight in the Yuan dynasty. They are essentially modeled copies.” Zhang Shaowei agreed with a nod. He looked at the painting once more.
The preliminary assessment suggested it was genuine.
However, a more in-depth appraisal would require specialized instruments. “We can examine it later. For now, roll it back up.”
Considering the length of the piece, Luo Feng felt it necessary to safeguard it.
It would be a shame if it were damaged.
“Holy crap, don’t pack it away yet! Can I gaze at it a bit longer?” “So, this is the most exceptional cursive calligraphy in the world?”
“I’ve never seen such a lengthy cursive script before!” “The one from Taiwan is fake? That’s bizarre!”
“It is not necessarily fake, it’s just not the original!”
Even though a traced or handwritten copy might not be the original, its value remains considerable.
Being antique replicas, they are still considered cultural relics.
However, replicas will never have the same value as the original.
At that moment, Su Changmei, the director of the museum of Taiwan, who was preparing for a dinner, received a phone call.
“What? Someone is claiming our ‘Autobiographical Essay’ is fake? Haha!” Su Changmei laughed lightly.
The authenticity of the ‘Autobiographical Essay’ in their museum had always been a topic of dispute within the world of cultural relics. Many experts claimed that the version held by Treasure Island was not the original.
Su Changmei used to dismiss these allegations.
After all, they called it fake but could not produce the original, so why should she bother?
But this time? It was different…
“Who is it this time? Another calligrapher?” Su Changmei sat in her car, switching on the speaker.
“It’s not a calligrapher, it’s Luo Feng…” the person on the other end of the line began.
“Hmm? That treasure hunter Luo Feng?”
Su Changmei furrowed her brows, wondering why he would suddenly slander her museum’s artifacts.
“Why is he claiming our artifacts are fake? What’s his motive?” “No, Director Su, he has unearthed the real ‘Autobiographical Essay’!” The car that had just started was halted abruptly by Su Changmei.
“What? The real one? THE ‘Autobiographical Essay’?”
“Yes, Director Su, he excavated it from an ancient tomb! Weren’t you aware?” “I haven’t been following recently.”
“You should take a look then. That piece of calligraphy is probably authentic.
You’ll need to prepare for media inquiries.”
The call ended, leaving Su Changmei worried.
In the past, she could dismiss others because they were unable to produce the original.
But now, with the original in Luo Feng’s hands, could she continue to ignore it?
How was she supposed to respond when the media inevitably interviewed her?
The key was, if there was a real artifact, the counterfeit would inevitably be exposed.
“Mr. Zhang Shaowei, there appears to be a genuine work of Li Bai over here!”
“What? Li Bai? The Immortal Poet Li Bai? Where is it?” Zhang Shaowei’s excitement was palpable.
My goodness.
Li Bail s authentic work?
This room was filled with treasures.
Everyone knew Li Bai as the Immortal Poet and his calligraphy was seldom seen in the world.
Some claimed he was only a poet, and his calligraphy was mediocre.
But according to the only remaining calligraphy of Li Bai, his skill, while not on par with Wang Xizhi and his son Wang Xianzhi, was definitely not inferior.
Moreover, the beauty of calligraphy lies in its essence.
It is about the state of being.
Do you find many calligraphy pieces beautiful?
Not at all.
Yet they are highly sought after, aren’t they? This is due to their their essence.
Zhang Shaowei quickly moved closer as an attendant unfolded a sheet of calligraphy. On it was a poem by Li Bai.
“Facing the Wine”
Do you not see the waters of the Yellow River come flowing from the sky….
“Holy crap! Is it this poem?”
“Is this the only authentic work of Li Bai?”
The young man who discovered the authentic piece asked, “Mr.. Luo, is this an authentic Li Bai piece?”
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