The Literata of Chihkan
Tsai Bi-yin (蔡碧吟), one of Taiwan's most inspiring poets from the period of Japanese colonial rule, was renowned for the elegance of her poetic style and high level of skills in calligraphy. However, the talented writer's fame has never been solely based on her exquisite works — her private life has also long been the subject of public interest.
While women of her time were largely considered economically, socially, and even artistically subordinate to men, Tsai served as the life and soul of the all-female Yun Hsiang Poetry Society (芸香吟社) based in Tainan.
The group was a constant presence at poetry events, its members never shying away from competing with their male counterparts. One of the society's highlights was its participation in the well-known Taiwan Island-Wide Poetry Conference (全島聯吟大會) in 1930. At this male-centric event, the society's members presented epigraphs and writings which were later published in a Mandarin-language publication over three consecutive issues.
Despite her tumultuous relationship with her husband, Tsai brought enormous richness to both her poems and the calligraphic tradition, raising the bar for generations of Taiwanese artists to come. Praised as "The Literata of Chihkan (赤崁才女)," Tsai has created an enduring legacy.
Though the original manuscripts of Tsai's poems are no longer available, her calligraphy works are preserved by museums, immersing the viewers in the freshness and serenity of nature and adding richness to Tainan's cultural heritage.