Couplet in standard script

Maker(s)
Artist: Hua Shikui (1864-1942)
Historical period(s)
Modern period, 1941
Medium
Pair of hanging scrolls; ink on paper
Dimensions
H x W (image [each]): 176 x 44.5 cm (69 1/4 x 17 1/2 in)
Geography
China
Credit Line
Gift of Robert Hatfield Ellsworth in honor of the 75th Anniversary of the Freer Gallery of Art
Collection
Freer Gallery of Art
Accession Number
F1997.72.1-2
On View Location
Currently not on view
Classification(s)
Calligraphy
Type

Hanging scrolls (pair)

Keywords
autumn, China, couplet, Modern period (1912 - present), Robert Hatfield Ellsworth collection, spring, standard script
Provenance
Provenance research underway.
Label

Well known for following the style of the great Tang dynasty calligraphy master Yan Zhenqing (709-785), Hua Shikui's standard script is monumental and imposing. The artist wrote this couplet at the age of seventy-seven to present to his close friend Xiting. The text ponders their shared professional and leisure interests and their fascination with ancient inscriptions, including those on musical instruments of the Bronze Age (circa 2000-500 B.C.E.).

From green spring to hoary autumn, we enjoyed our words and laughter;
Ritual bronzes and stone chimes, we vied to compile and copy.

Adapted from translation by Stephen D. Allee

Published References
  • Robert Hatfield Ellsworth. Later Chinese Painting and Calligraphy: 1800-1950., 1st ed. New York. vols. 1, 3: pp. 324, 180.
  • Thomas Lawton, Joseph Chang, Stephen Allee. Brushing the Past: Later Chinese Calligraphy from the Gift of Robert Haftield Ellsworth. Exh. cat. Washington. .
  • Thomas Lawton, Thomas W. Lentz. Beyond the Legacy: Anniversary Acquisitions for the Freer Gallery of Art and the Arthur M. Sackler Gallery. vol. 1 Washington, 1998. pp. 256-261.
Collection Area(s)
Chinese Art
Web Resources
Whistler's Neighborhood
Google Cultural Institute
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