Poem on reclusion
Calligrapher Zha Sheng Chinese
Not on view
Zha Sheng’s talents as a poet and calligrapher won him praise at the early Qing court, where he served as a scholar-official. This transcription of a poem by the famous Northern Song recluse Lin Bu (967–1028) extols the virtues of a simple life, but the message is somewhat at odds with the luxurious gold satin upon which the piece is written. The poem reads, in part:
Bamboo and trees surround my dwelling,
A clear stream provides more than enough excitement.
At ease, a crane lingers a while by the water,
Lazily, bees relax as flowers are few.
—Translation after Shi-yee Liu.
On view January 31–August 14, 2022
This image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.
This artwork is meant to be viewed from right to left. Scroll left to view more.
