Literature & Ideas
Distinguished
Su Shi
1037 – 1101
Song dynasty poet, essayist, calligrapher, painter and statesman
Distinguished is level 3 of 4 in the China Hall of Fame: sustained excellence over a career, widely honoured at home. See how the levels work.
Why they are here
One of the most versatile figures in Chinese culture: a leading poet and prose writer of the Song dynasty, an accomplished calligrapher and painter, and an official whose outspokenness cost him repeated exile.
Su Shi, also known as Su Dongpo, served as an official in many parts of China and was banished several times for criticising government policy, at the last to the island of Hainan. His exiles produced some of his finest poetry and prose.
He is counted among the great masters of Song poetry and calligraphy, and his name survives in everyday life in the dish Dongpo pork.
He is counted among the great masters of Song poetry and calligraphy, and his name survives in everyday life in the dish Dongpo pork.
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