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Calligraphy 书法

Chinese calligraphy is a form of writing that has been practiced for over 5,000 years. It involves using a brush and ink to create beautiful and intricate characters that contain both meaning and artistry. Calligraphy is highly valued in Chinese culture and is often displayed as a form of decoration or used in traditional ceremonies. The writing style is characterized by its fluid strokes, varying line thickness, and the use of space to create a harmonious composition. It takes years of practice and dedication to master the art of Chinese calligraphy, and many consider it a form of meditation and self-expression.

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Everlasting Longing

2023

19"*56"

gold ink on red rice paper

The Chinese calligraphy of the poem "Everlasting Longing" portrays a love that transcends time and space, rooted in the wisdom of Buddhism. The characters flow with grace, speaking of the depths of devotion and yearning. In this poem, love is not just a physical attraction, but a spiritual connection that brings inner peace and stability. The brushstrokes capture the essence of the poem, evoking a sense of peace and tranquility that reminds us of the beauty and impermanence of life.

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Full River Red

2023
20"*60"
Ink on rice paper

This calligraphy art is a unique rendition of the classic "Full River Red". Composed in a way that it can be read from the middle to the two sides, it is divided into two parts. Together, they create a harmonious composition that captures the essence of the original artwork while infusing it with a fresh and contemporary twist. This piece is a testament to the beauty and versatility of calligraphy as an art form.

Yue Fei (1103-1142)'s poetry "Full River Red", flowing with passion and conviction. Each stroke contains the warrior's unwavering loyalty to his country and people, his commitment to justice and righteousness never wavering. His powerful script embodies the strength and determination of a hero whose actions have stood the test of time. As one beholds the elegant curves and bold lines of his brushwork, they cannot help but feel inspired by the greatness he represents. Such is the enduring legacy of YUE Fei, one of China's greatest icons of virtue and bravery.

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Untitled Poem

2023
19”*69“
Gold ink on rice paper (left)
Ink on rice paper (right)

This untitled poem, written 20 years ago, is a testament to the power of love and the enduring nature of memory.

The use of gold ink (left) in the calligraphy adds a layer of richness and depth to the piece, symbolizing the preciousness of the memory and the love that inspired it. The intricate brushstrokes and flowing lines of the calligraphy also serve to capture the essence of the poem, conveying the emotions and feelings that were present when you wrote it.

As time passes, memories can fade and feelings can change, but the beauty of calligraphy and the written word can help to preserve these precious moments and keep them alive for generations to come. The love poem, captured in this stunning work of art, is a testament to the enduring power of love and the beauty of the written word.

Chinese stamps (right), also known as seals or chops, are indeed a significant part of Chinese calligraphy. A stamp is a small object, usually made of stone, that has a carved or engraved design on it, which can include a name, an image, or a phrase. 

In the context of calligraphy, stamps add a personal touch to the artwork and can serve as a way to authenticate the work of an artist. The use of stamps in Chinese calligraphy dates back thousands of years, and the practice remains popular today.

Stamps are often used in conjunction with calligraphy brushes and ink to create beautiful and intricate works of art.

In short, stamps are an integral part of Chinese calligraphy and serve as a way to personalize and authenticate the artwork. They add a unique touch to the art and continue to be a popular practice in modern times.

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Gift to Lee Kang-sheng

2023
19"-69"
Ink on rice paper

 

Meeting Lee Kang-sheng in Chicago was a pleasure after his “Wayward Cloud” left a significant impression on me almost twenty years ago. He is an actor and filmmaker who has been active in the industry for over thirty years. Recently, a calligraphy was created that listed all of his films and shows, which was then re-arranged into a poem that tells his life story. This incredible piece of art showcases the beauty of the Chinese language and the boundless creativity of those who use it.

The calligraphy serves as a testament to Lee Kang-sheng’s impressive career, which has spanned various genres and mediums. From his early work in experimental cinema to his more recent collaborations with acclaimed director Tsai Ming-Liang, Lee has cemented his place as one of Taiwan’s most talented actors and filmmakers.

The Red Ink of “Xuan Zang” was based on a real person in history who was a 7th-century Chinese Buddhist monk, scholar, traveler, and translator; also one of Lee Kang-sheng’s Stage plays. 

Black Calligraphy is a beautiful and elegant art form that has been practiced for centuries. It involves using black ink to create intricate and delicate designs on paper. While using black ink is traditional, adding a touch of red can add a unique and meaningful element to the art.

In Buddhism, red symbolizes purity, life force, and compassion. When used in all-black calligraphy, the touch of red can add a spiritual element to the art, giving it a deeper meaning and significance. It can also represent the idea of balance and harmony, as the contrasting colors work together to create a beautiful and cohesive design.

Overall, adding red to all-black calligraphy can enhance its beauty and add a powerful spiritual element. Whether used in a traditional or modern context, it is a striking and meaningful addition to this timeless art form.

Overall, the calligraphy is a stunning tribute to Lee Kang-sheng’s career and the power of language to inspire and captivate us. It is a reminder of the incredible talent in the world of cinema and the limitless potential of those willing to push the boundaries of what is possible. 

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Paper fans have been used in China for thousands of years to provide relief from the hot summer weather. They were also used as a canvas for artists to display their skills in calligraphy. Fans were often given as gifts to friends and family, and were even used as a way for individuals to express their political or personal beliefs. The intricacy and beauty of the characters written on the fan added an extra layer of meaning to the gift.

This calligraphy fan anciently writes a more recent story about Zibo's BBQ, which was so popular over the internet in the Spring of 2023.

The content is as fellows:

人间烟火气 淄博烧烤说

The hustle and bustle of city life is always comforting -

Zibo streets are filled with the smell of barbecue, makeshift lights, and chatter; these small business owners activate their streets, provide culturally relevant food that tourists flock to, and create opportunities for diverse people to interact with each other.

 

题记:癸卯年春 故都淄博再出江湖

望洋兴叹 百万游客进淄赶烤

This spring, Zibo was overwhelmed by millions of tourists who came for their BBQ. 

 

康衢烟月,政通人和

The scene of the moonlight shining faintly on the bustling street reflects the prosperous scenery of peacefulness; the people are happy and harmonious. 

 

燔炉宴客,慷慨厚德

The burning grill welcomed guests, and the locals showed their generosity and kindness.

 

使海内翕然,八方来客驱车策马,

御剑飞行,更有高铁专列共赴约

People worldwide heard about it and made their way to Zibo by car, air, and high-speed train; they even started a special high-speed ShaoKao (BBQ) train.

 

虽有燔炙爇炮,肉在籖上 

八大局炒锅饼小酥肉 紫米饼牛奶棒烤鸡架 

全城追捕隐藏小吃周村大爷绿豆糕

There are many types of meat and seafood on the grill skewers at those outdoor grilling restaurants; BaDaJu’s famous food vendor street has crispy wok pancakes, fried pork tenderloin, purple sweet rice cakes, crispy milk pastries, roasted chicken rack. Everyone is hunting for the hidden gem all over the city — Zhou village uncle’s green mug bean cake.

 

更有红鸾星动,濯濯如春月柳

Handsome young men (civil servants) all over six feet tall were signed to welcome guests at the train station with welcoming signs.

 

盈樽斗酒 载歌载舞 

People drink and dance together happily, with a music festival on site.

 

昔日稷下学子不忘恩,今朝故都友人不忘本

The students are grateful; the locals are also appreciative. 

(There were 12,000 students sent to Zibo for quarantine during the pandemic. The local government treated those students so well, and by the end of the quarantine, the mayor of Zibo invited all the students for a barbecue dinner before they returned to school and welcomed them to come back after the pandemic. Students received excellent care, including different delicious meals every day, lots of fresh fruits delivered to their door, daily necessities, toothbrushes and toothpaste, epidemic prevention materials, and gifts with cards to explain if they come back to Zibo: BA for140,000 RMB, MS for 240,000, and Ph.D. for 540,000 RMB living rewards waiting for them. )

 

双向奔赴,如高山流水,气贯长虹

Going in the same directions, like mountains and flowing water, the locals and tourists became understanding and appreciative friends.

 

淄博古城三千年,一朝再起人尽知

The one-time capital Zibo (Qi, 1046BC) from three thousand years ago came back, and once again is known by everyone.

 

烧烤虽好,小吃难停,然中华美食处处皆好,不足为奇

Although the barbecue is good and the delicious snacks are hard to stop eating, Chinese food has very many delicacies; this is not unusual, so what made Zibo’s ShaoKao so famous?

 

其贵在以仁得人,盈不在价高。

Its value lies in winning people with benevolence, not in high prices.

 

以诚为贾,以仁为道。德者,得也。

Using sincerity as the way of business and benevolence as the way of doing business. Those people who are virtuous are rewarded by their customers. 

 

古有左思作《三都赋》,人人爱之 洛阳纸贵,

In ancient times, Zuo Si (from Zibo, AC 252-307) wrote the “Ode to the Capitals of the Three Kingdoms of Wei, Shu Han and Wu,” which was well received by the broad masses of readers after it made its appearance to the public. As the art of printing had not been invented at that time, people who were fond of this “Ode” had to make handwritten copies of it themselves. As there were so many people who vied with each other in making handwritten copies, the supply of writing paper fell short of the demand in Luoyang which went up significantly. 

 

今全城官民 以客为上。

Today, the city’s officials and local people put tourists first.

 

尊贾思勰《齐民要术》,治能胜贫;

Respect Jia Sixie’s “Essential Techniques for the Welfare of the People”; governance can overcome poverty. (Jia Sixie was a mayor in what is on the north side of Zibo now, during Northern Wei, 386-534. He wrote the famous book while he was in Zibo.)

 

推孙膑,仁德信义忠勇敢;

Respect Sun Bin’s seven core values: benevolence, virtuosity, honesty, righteousness, loyalty, bravery, and courage. (Sun Bin was a famous military strategist and writer during the Warring States period, BC 382-316. He led the military in Zibo during that time.)

 

学管仲仓,廪实则知礼节,衣食足则知荣辱。利出于一孔。

Learn from Guan Zhong (Guan Zhong was a Chinese philosopher and politician. He served as chancellor and was a reformer of the State of Qi during the Spring and Autumn period. He assisted Duke Huan of Qi in ruling the country, and Guan Zhong is known as China’s first prime minister.) He believed: “Coordinating and mobilizing resources with the centralization of interests and concentrating on exerting strength will make a country successful.” one of his famous sayings was: “The people’s granaries are sufficient, and they have enough food and clothing to consider etiquette and pay attention to honor and disgrace”.

 

半月央 垂涎于芝城

Make my mouth water from Chicago.

When creating calligraphy on a paper fan, the artist must take into account the curvature of the surface. They must adjust their brush strokes accordingly to ensure the characters are legible and aesthetically pleasing. The calligraphy on this fan is typically written in a way that complements the shape, with larger characters at the top and smaller characters at the bottom. The combination of the fan's shape and the calligrapher's skill create a stunning visual display that is both artistic and functional.

The Story of Zibo

2023
13" bamboo fan
ink on rice paper

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