Yu Yi

Yu Yi (305 – 16 August 345), courtesy name Zhigong, was a Chinese calligrapher and military general of the Jin dynasty (266–420). He was a member of the prestigious Yu clan of Yingchuan as the younger brother of the powerful Jin minister, Yu Liang. After Yu Liang died in 340, Yu Yi inherited his military positions, and with his other brother Yu Bing, who handled court affairs, they became a prominent political force during their time. As a commander, Yu Yi led a northern expedition from 343 to 344 against Later Zhao in the north and briefly fought Cheng Han in the west before his untimely death in 345. Yu Yi's death allowed his former subordinate, Huan Wen, to take up his military command in Jingzhou from his sons with the help of Yi's court rival, He Chong. Apart from being a general, Yu Yi was also a very gifted calligrapher. He was considered as one of the greatest calligraphers of th...