Seven-Character Poem

CHINA; Southern Song dynasty

This seven-character poem was scripted by Shiliang Yizhong, a Chan monk and disciple of Chan Master Wuzhun Shifan. Shiliang lived at Shishuangshan Temple in Hunan, and this work is attributed to him because of the “Shiliang” and “Shishuangshan” seal imprints that appear on the piece. The scroll, apart from narrating scenery, contains Daoist philosophy, which is likely a result of the author’s copying of ancient poems.
Variety can be seen in the articulations and alterations in stroke thicknesses. Characters and lines are spaced generously, and strokes are long and nuanced. There is no overlapping or interfering of characters despite the length of each stroke. The work has a refined sense of composure, and it is considered to be a quality piece of calligraphy. The scroll embraces a distinct Chan art style, emphasized by its variety and elegance.