清　查昇　行書七律詩　軸|Poem on reclusion

Zha Sheng

late 17th or early 18th century · Hanging scroll; ink on silk · Asian Art

Zha Sheng’s talents as a poet and calligrapher won him praise at the early Qing court, where he served as a scholar-official. This transcription of a poem by the famous Northern Song recluse Lin Bu (967–1028) extols the virtues of a simple life, but the message is somewhat at odds with the luxurious gold satin upon which the piece is written. The poem reads, in part: Bamboo and trees surround my dwelling, A clear stream provides more than enough excitement. At ease, a crane lingers a while by the water, Lazily, bees relax as flowers are few. —Translation after Shi-yee Liu

Artist

Zha Sheng

Date

late 17th or early 18th century

Medium

Hanging scroll; ink on silk

Culture

China

Department

Asian Art

Credit line

Purchase, C. C. Wang Gift, 2007