Five-Character Poem

CHINA; Ming dynasty

This calligraphy was scripted by Chan Master Xuelang Hong’en at the age of 43 and consists of a poem composed by Hong’en for Master Houhe. Written on a folded paper fan in regular script, the poem is composed of eight verses, each containing five characters. This particular piece is renowned for its excellence in both poetry and calligraphy.
The calligraphy is rich in variation, evident in the maneuvering of the brush, the size of the characters, and the thickness of the ink. The overall composition is orderly, sparse, and clear, exhibiting an uncluttered and classical style.
Xuelang Hong’en was originally named Huang Sanhuai. He was a Ming dynasty (1368–1644) monk, calligrapher, and poet from Jinling (present day Nanjing). He was an eminent monk of the Huayan school, who was highly regarded for his strict self-discipline. Apart from studying Buddhist scriptures, Master Hong’en studied Confucian classics. Dedicating his life to promoting the Huayan sect, he was also a student of Chan Buddhism under Master Xiaoshan Zongshu of Shaolin Temple, and mastered the essence and teachings of the Caodong school.