Couplet in Seal Script
2009
Chu 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."
Calligraphy: Ink on paper
Overall: 102 15/16 x 18 1/8 in. (261.5 x 46.5 cm)
Image H: 71 in. (180.4 cm)
Purchased with funds from Frank S. Bayley III and Cheney Cowles
2010.2.2
Provenance: Artist, Qianshen Bai
Photo: Elizabeth Mann
