王羲之主導促成的「蘭亭會」,不但是文學及文化史上的重要事件,會中相關詩作亦被視為日後山水文學的先聲,而王羲之的〈蘭亭集序〉不論在文學還是書法藝術更被視為千古佳作。然而回歸到現實層面,王羲之何以要舉辦如此的集會?這是單純的名士雅集抑或有更多其他的考量?本文從東晉的政治、士族等場域切入,經由對王羲之的出身與仕途,考察蘭亭會的遠近成因。並由蘭亭會的時間、形式,以及參與成員,指出蘭亭會是王羲之精心籌算下的產物,其中隱含了個人與家族利益的考量。〈蘭亭集序〉除寫下蘭亭會風貌與王羲之的生命思索外,也以文字證明了他對蘭亭會的現實謀劃。經由本文的探賾,當可為王羲之與蘭亭會提供另一面向的認識。
The “Lanting Gathering” 蘭亭會 (“Orchard Pavilion Gathering”) brought about and led by Wang Xizhi 王羲之 (303-361) was a significant event in literary and cultural history, with the poetic works produced at the gathering later being deemed the herald of landscape poetry. Wang’s “Lanting ji xu” 蘭亭集序 (“Preface to the Lanting Poetry Anthology”), for example, was praised within both literary and calligraphy circles, solidifying it as a masterpiece for all eternity. But concerning more practical matters, why did Wang organize such a gathering? Was it purely an elegant gathering of notable literary figures or one of other specific intentions? The present article uses perspectives from politics and the land-owning class in the Eastern Jin dynasty as entry points for exploring the proximate cause and remote cause of the Lanting Gathering in terms of Wang’s parentage and official career, as well as indicating that the Lanting Gathering was an outcome elaborately planned by Wang, wherein implied the purpose of personal and family interests based upon the time, formality, and attending members of the gathering. “Preface to the Lanting Poetry Anthology,” in addition to including the style and features of the Lanting Gathering and Wang’s cogitations on life, proves his self-interested designs for the gathering in words. This article’s deep exploration is thus able to bring forth another direction in the understanding of Wang Xizhi and the Lanting Gathering.
王羲之;蘭亭會;蘭亭集序;東晉;會稽
Wang Xizhi 王羲之; Lanting Gathering 蘭亭會; Orchid Pavilion Gathering; “Preface to the Lanting Poetry Anthology”; “Lanting ji xu” 蘭亭集序; Eastern Jin dynasty; Kuaiji Mountain