Four Admonishments by Cheng Yi

2005

Korean, born 1964

A contemporary calligrapher, Son Man-jin transcribed the famous annotations to a Confucian proverb composed by Chinese philosopher Cheng Yi (1033-1107), a contributor to the establishment of Neo-Confucianism. Admonitions on looking, listening, speaking and movement (from left to right scroll) were the ethics and practices essential to perfect virtue, along with relevant visual arts, which induced the people to live a self-controlled and humble life.

A large ideogram expressing these four concepts is rendered in abstract splashes of ink, while Cheng Yi's interpretation appears in small characters. It vividly reinforces the Choson people's cultural identity, and may well serve as a contemporary reminder of restraint to the consumer society of today.

Master Cheng said, "I caution myself with these admonitions":

The admonition on looking says:

People have a constant disposition rooted in their nature endowed by heaven. Perception beguiles it; external things alter it; and thereupon it loses its correctness. Profound are those who become aware first; knowing where to come to rest, they become steadfast. To guard against evil and preserve truthfulness, do not listen if it is contrary to propriety.

Ink on paper

Overall (mounting & endknobs & hanging cord): 111 × 36 5/8 in. (282 × 93 cm)

Image (calligraphy only): 84 3/16 × 30 3/8 in. (213.8 × 77.2 cm)

Gift of Frank S. Bayley III, in honor of the 75th Anniversary of the Seattle Art Museum

2007.93.2

Provenance: Donor purchased from the artist

Photo: Susan Cole

Not currently on view

Resources

Exhibition HistorySeoul, Korea, Seoul Arts Center, Son Man-Jin, September 27, 2005- October 3, 2007 9/27/2007-10/3/2007

Published ReferencesMan-Jin, Son, Seoul Arts Center, Seoul, Korea, 2005, pages 34-35

Ishikawa, Chiyo, ed. "A Community of Collectors: 75th Anniversary Gifts to the Seattle Art Museum." Seattle: Seattle Art Museum, 2007, illus. p. 90

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