Couplet
You may have your method;
As for me, I love my hut.
This pithy verse by Zhou Lianggong may be taken as a mission statement for the recluse: regardless of what society may wish from you, inner peace is to be found at home, behind a closed gate, in a life of self-cultivation. In his lengthy career of service to the Ming and Qing dynasty governments, Zhou enjoyed great heights of success and suffered terrible depths of persecution, so his understanding of the appeal of withdrawal was well-earned.
As for me, I love my hut.
This pithy verse by Zhou Lianggong may be taken as a mission statement for the recluse: regardless of what society may wish from you, inner peace is to be found at home, behind a closed gate, in a life of self-cultivation. In his lengthy career of service to the Ming and Qing dynasty governments, Zhou enjoyed great heights of success and suffered terrible depths of persecution, so his understanding of the appeal of withdrawal was well-earned.
Artwork Details
- 明 清 周亮工 行書五言對聯
- Title: Couplet
- Artist: Zhou Lianggong (Chinese, 1612–1672)
- Period: Qing dynasty (1644–1911)
- Date: mid- 17th century
- Culture: China
- Medium: Pair of hanging scrolls; ink on paper
- Dimensions: Image (each): 64 × 12 in. (162.6 × 30.5 cm)
- Classification: Calligraphy
- Credit Line: Gift of Julia and John Curtis, in honor of Hongnam Kim, and in celebration of the Museum’s 150th Anniversary, 2020
- Object Number: 2020.73.2a, b
- Curatorial Department: Asian Art
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Zhou Lianggong
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