Rather Hold a Book While Lying on White Clouds

CHINA; Qing dynasty

The text of this seal is extracted from the poem, Interests of Living in Deep Seclusion by Lin Bu of the Song dynasty (960–1279), which contains this phrase “the hermit will not be the minister of the mountain; he would rather hold a book lying on white clouds.”
With features of the Anhui school, the layout of this piece displays small characters and a broad edge that is reminiscent of ancient seals. The script is also of ancient inscription, and the character structure smoothly integrates the entire composition. There is much elegance in the steady and polished cutting style. An artistic conception of literature is emitted through the delicate and expressive carving of this seal.
Mingzhong had an original name of Yanzhong and an alias of Daheng. He was a monk and artist of the Qing dynasty (1644–1911) who was skilled in poetry, painting, and seal carving. During the rule of Emperor Qianlong (reigned 1736–1795) of the Qing dynasty, Mingzhong was honored with the purple monastic robe three times.