Small Garden

Date1978

Label TextSmall Garden refers to Chang Ch'ung-ho's backyard where she plants vegetables. Through the poem, we get a glimpse of this remarkable calligrapher's daily life and philosophies. One passage aptly describes her untrammeled disposition: "In years past, when choosing destinations we would go to lofty mountain slopes. But today we go to any fitting spot to pass the time. Elegant or common, we try to select what is full of vitality: Just so, the old man next door peers over the hedge and admires my gourds." By omitting parts of the characters or simply replacing them with abbreviated forms, she joins the strokes together gracefully. Through Chang Ch'ung-ho's successful use of ancient cursive script, the characters evoke an image of a delicate garden patch filled with a lively spirit.

Object number2010.8.6

ProvenanceArtist/ Chang Ch’ung-ho Frankel

Photo CreditPhoto: Elizabeth Mann

Published ReferencesHu, Jianjun. “Zuo ge xianren – Zhang chong he shi shu hua yi xiao ji.” Shu Yu Hua Volume 9, no. 276 (September 2015): p. 16-21, reproduced p. 21. Chen, Guannan. “Xiyatu yishu bowuguan cang zhang chong he shuji ji shou canh ju ou.” Shu Yu Hua Volume 9, no. 276 (September 2015): p. 22-31, reproduced p. 25.

Credit LineGift of Mimi Gardner Gates and the Asian Art Acquisition Fund

Dimensions40 x 13 1/2 in. (101.6 x 34.3 cm) sheet size: 21 1/4 x 9 1/2 in. (54 x 24.1 cm)

MediumHandscroll; ink on paper