Author: Chen Chao-Erh

Size:Length:244 x Width:57 (cm)

Size description：179×47 (畫心)

Introduction：Chen Chao-Erh (1927-2017), born in Shilin Township, Taipei Prefecture (now Shilin District, Taipei City), was also known by his courtesy name Zizhong. From a young age, he practiced calligraphy and was skilled in seal carving. He also had a broad interest in various art forms, including painting, sculpture, and music. His works have been recognized with numerous awards, such as the National Art Exhibition First Prize, the Zhongshan Literary and Art Award, and the Taiyang Art Exhibition. He held several positions, including supervisor of the Chinese Calligraphy Society, director, supervisor, and advisor of the Republic of China Seal Carving Society. He was frequently invited to serve as a judge for major calligraphy competitions in Taiwan, including the Provincial Art Exhibition, National Art Exhibition, Zhongshan Literary and Art Award, and Student Art Exhibition, establishing himself as a prominent contemporary calligrapher and seal carver in Taiwan.
This work is written in seal script, featuring the poem "Casual Thoughts on a Spring Day" by the Song Dynasty Neo-Confucian scholar Cheng Hao. The poem reads: "Clouds light and winds gentle near midday skies, By flowers and willows, past the front stream I stroll. People do not understand my joyful heart, And think I steal leisure, like a youth on the sly." In this poem, the poet reflects on a spring outing, expressing his joy and leisure through the depiction of the scenery in the first two lines. The last two lines, which seem to simply describe how others do not understand his contentment and mistake it for indulgence, actually convey the poet’s deeper intention to free his mind from the burdens of mundane affairs and return to nature, seeking his true self.
Chen Chao-Erh used the seal script to write Cheng Hao’s poem, maintaining a steady composition throughout. The characters vary in length, arranged in a way that creates a sense of movement without strict alignment. Some characters are written in large seal script, introducing a rhythmic variation to the structure. The heavy strokes and simple shapes add a sense of rustic charm, while the overall atmosphere of the piece conveys a relaxed feeling within the orderly structure of the seal script. Chen’s long dedication to calligraphy is evident in the smooth and restrained brushwork, achieving a visual harmony that aligns well with the tranquil and reflective mood of Cheng Hao’s poetry. The seals complement the poem, enhancing the piece's overall unity.

Accession Number:PT09761400

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