Ziyan

CHINA, Zhejiang, Hangzhou; Ming dynasty

Ziyan was a monk and painter from Qiantang (present day Hangzhou, Zhejiang). He received tonsure at Zushan Temple. Master Ziyan was skilled in painting landscapes, orchids, and bamboos. His calligraphy was mostly executed in running and cursive scripts, the latter of which embraces the spirit and elements of monk Huaisu’s wild cursive. His calligraphic works include Self-Motivation in cursive script, which shows flamboyant and free spirited brush movements in continuous vibrancy. The work is now kept at Ho’s Calligraphy Foundation in Taipei, Taiwan. In addition, he authored Library of Seal Prints, which records a collection of 1,700 seals engraved by him.