Five-Character Quatrain

CHINA; Ming to Qing dynasty

Chen Hongshou composed and scripted this quatrain in praise of plum blossoms. The piece is short, consisting of only two lines of cursive script, but the composition is unique and creative. Characters on the right side of the page are lean and tall, while those on the left appear wider and more spaced out. Despite the differences in character shape and form, the overall composition is consistent and well laid out. Hongshou’s name, appearing at the end of the poem, is written in small characters and provides a clear distinction against the primary text. The smooth interplay of thick and dry ink, along with light and heavy pressure, generates a somewhat random, albeit beautifully balanced work that is refreshing to the eye.
Chen Hongshou, also known as Zhanghou or Laolian, was a painter who was skilled in depicting figures, landscapes, flowers, and birds. Particularly adept in portraiture, his unique style influenced subsequent generations. Although Chen was not well-known for his calligraphy, his competency in the field was noteworthy and greatly admired.