# Su Shi

> Chinese writer and politician (1037–1101)

**Wikidata**: [Q36020](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q36020)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Su_Shi)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/su-shi

## Summary
Su Shi was a Chinese writer and politician who lived during the Northern Song dynasty (1037–1101). He is best known for his literary contributions, including poetry, essays, and calligraphy, and for his political career as a scholar-official. His work is celebrated as part of the Eight Great Prose Masters of the Tang and Song dynasties.

## Biography
- Born: 1037 (exact location not specified)
- Nationality: Chinese
- Education: Not specified in source material
- Known for: Literary achievements, political service, and artistic contributions
- Employer(s): Northern Song dynasty government
- Field(s): Literature, politics, art

## Contributions
Su Shi authored the *Former Ode on the Red Cliff*, a piece of writing completed in 1082. He was also associated with the Dongpo Academy, which was built in 1098 in memory of his father, Su Dongpo. His literary works are part of the *Eight Great Prose Masters of the Tang and Song* collection.

## FAQs
**What was Su Shi's primary occupation?**
Su Shi was a writer, poet, and politician who served in the Northern Song dynasty government.

**What are Su Shi's most famous literary works?**
Su Shi is known for the *Former Ode on the Red Cliff* and his inclusion in the *Eight Great Prose Masters of the Tang and Song*.

**What was Su Shi's political role?**
Su Shi held positions in government during the Northern Song dynasty, contributing to political and administrative matters.

**What is the Dongpo Academy?**
The Dongpo Academy was an institution built in 1098 in memory of Su Dongpo, Su Shi's father, and is associated with Su Shi's legacy.

## Why They Matter
Su Shi's literary and political contributions shaped the cultural and intellectual landscape of the Northern Song dynasty. His works, particularly his poetry and essays, are still studied and admired for their artistic and philosophical depth. His inclusion in the *Eight Great Prose Masters* cemented his place as a significant figure in Chinese literature. Additionally, the Dongpo Academy, built in his father's memory, continues to honor his family's legacy in education and culture.

## Notable For
- Author of the *Former Ode on the Red Cliff* (1082)
- Included in the *Eight Great Prose Masters of the Tang and Song*
- Associated with the Dongpo Academy (1098)
- A poet, writer, and politician during the Northern Song dynasty

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Su Shi was born in 1037, though his exact birthplace is not specified in the source material. Little is known about his early education, but he later became a prominent figure in literature and politics.

### Literary Career
Su Shi is celebrated as a writer, poet, and calligrapher. His most notable work is the *Former Ode on the Red Cliff*, completed in 1082. He is also recognized as part of the *Eight Great Prose Masters of the Tang and Song*, a prestigious collection of literary figures from the Tang and Song dynasties.

### Political Career
Su Shi served in the Northern Song dynasty government, holding positions that allowed him to contribute to political and administrative matters. His political career is closely tied to his literary achievements, as many scholars-officials of the era were also prominent writers.

### Legacy and Influence
Su Shi's legacy is preserved through his literary works and the Dongpo Academy, which was built in 1098 in memory of his father, Su Dongpo. The academy continues to be a significant cultural institution in Hainan. Additionally, his contributions to poetry, essays, and calligraphy have influenced generations of Chinese writers and artists.

### Artistic Contributions
Beyond literature, Su Shi is known for his artistic pursuits, including painting and calligraphy. His works reflect the aesthetic and philosophical traditions of the Northern Song dynasty, further enriching his cultural impact.

### Cultural Honors
Su Shi's inclusion in the *Eight Great Prose Masters* and the establishment of the Dongpo Academy are testament to his enduring influence. These honors ensure that his name remains prominent in Chinese literary and historical discourse.

## References

1. China Biographical Database
2. Virtual International Authority File
3. BnF authorities
4. Catalog of the German National Library
5. [Source](https://baike.baidu.com/item/%E8%8B%8F%E8%BD%BC/53906)
6. The Fine Art Archive
7. Japan Search
8. MusicBrainz
9. CiNii Research
10. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
11. CERL Thesaurus
12. Quora
13. Carnegie Hall linked open data
14. LIBRIS. 2012