Calligraphy in the style of Yan Zhenqing

Calligraphy in the style of Yan Zhenqing

1701-1800

Chinese, 1620-1701

Yan Zhenqing (709-785)'s time-honored Letter on the Controversy over Seating Protocol was written to criticize a military official for inappropriately deciding seating at the imperial audience. Song's agreement with Yan's principles is evident in copying one particular passage:

"To fill up without excess is the key to sustain one's wealth; To reach high without peril is key to sustain one's prosperity. How can one not heed these words? The Book of Documents says, 'If you are modest, people will not compete with you. When you do not attack anyone, no one will compete with you for resources.' When the prosperous Lord Qi Huangong paid homage to the king, he rallied the support of princes and united the whole empire under his control. Yet at the meeting of Kuiqiu, Lord Qi's conceited expression led all states to rebel against him."

Ink on satin

Overall: 78 3/4 x 19 11/16in. (200 x 50cm)

Gift of David and Janne Liu in honor of Mimi Gardner Gates

2009.48

Provenance: By 1940s Liu Guojun 劉國鈞 (1888–1978), Shanghai; gift to Liu Hankun劉漢堃 (Liu Guojun's son, 1912–1958), Shanghai; bequest to David Liu (Hanjun Liu's son), Hong Kong then Seattle, 1978–2009

Photo: Elizabeth Mann

Not currently on view

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