Enlightenment Verses of the Seven Buddhas

CHINA; Ming dynasty

This calligraphic work is comprised of 8 vertical screening scrolls, executed by Sun Shenxing during his later years. They contain the verses pronounced by the seven Buddhas after they each attained enlightenment.
This work consists of vertical character lines that vary in size. There is an implicit connection between characters, and strokes are written freely with a variety of articulation. Each character is undisturbed in composition and carries an antiquated grace. This is a unique writing style which consists of both Huang Tingjian’s rhythmic sequence, as well as Li Yong’s canted tendencies.
Sun Shenxing was from Wujin (present day Changzhou, Jiangsu), and was also known as Wen Si or Qi’ao. He was a famous politician of the Ming dynasty (1368–1644) who was righteous in conduct, and was reputed as one of the ten most virtuous officeholders of his time. Sun was an erudite scholar with a strong memory, and he excelled in poetry and calligraphy. His running script is vigorous in execution and unrestrained in style.