Couplet

Date2009

Label TextChu Yun studied calligraphy at the Art Department of Nanjing Normal University and has participated in a number of national and international exhibitions on calligraphy and painting. The elongated characters in this couplet show his modification of seal script, a script that developed out of inscriptions on ancient bronzes. Chu Yun exaggerates the awkwardness that is associated with the anonymous ancient craftsmen-those who engraved words on bronzes and stele-by leaving ample room between the units that comprise each character. Occasional trembling in the strokes recalls the rough chiseling of engravings, and also serves as a visual clue for cadence when reading the couplet aloud. The inscription reads: "The newly acquired valuable sword is like an inherited treasure; The rich collection of books is indeed my teacher."

Object number2010.2.1

ProvenanceArtist; Qianshen Bai

Photo CreditPhoto: Elizabeth Mann

Exhibition HistorySeattle, Washington, Seattle Art Museum, Pure Amusements: Wealth, Leisure, and Culture in Late Imperial China, Dec. 24, 2016 - May 15, 2022 [on view July 4, 2018 - Jan. 6, 2019].

Credit LinePurchased with funds from Frank S. Bayley III and Cheney Cowles

DimensionsOverall: 70 x 12 5/8 in. (177.8 x 32.1 cm)

MediumInk on paper