Poem on the Double Ninth ｆestival

One of the most influential flower painters of the Ming dynasty, Chen Chun was also a gifted calligrapher specializing in free-flowing running and cursive scripts. While maintaining remarkable control of columnar spacing and the brush's natural fluctuation, his writing exudes great energy. Having internalized the disciplined stylistic features of both Zhu Yunming (1461–1527) and Wen Zhengming (1470–1559), he cultivated a deliberate casualness that avoided pointed references to earlier masters. Here, his rhythmic brushstrokes echo the cheerful mood of the poem:

This year the double ninth is exceedingly bright
and clear.
Regrettably, the hermit is not in the mountain.
My white hair is only good for being covered by
my tattered hat;
The yellow flowers are still willing to light my
withered countenance.
Thoughts of distant friends increase my sorrow;
But I rejoice that nearby fishermen still come
and go.
At leisure, I take up a cup to toast the season;
Would that these happy moments pass
more slowly!

(trans. adapted from Tseng Yu-ho Ecke)