Bitter Bamboo Shoot Note

CHINA; Tang dynasty

Fourteen characters comprise this two-line invitation that states “Bitter bamboo and green tea are extremely good, you may come whenever you wish.” Written by Huaisu, an eminent monk and calligrapher of the Tang dynasty (618–907), the content expresses nothing more than a brief and friendly note addressed to a friend. Numerous governmental seals indicate that this piece holds importance in history.
Huaisu’s other representative work is Autobiography of Huaisu, in which there is a notable difference in the variation of ink color and intensity. However, the dynamic cursive script brushstrokes of this note portray a sense of stability, further enhancing the piece and making it a freer and more lively work of calligraphy.