Author: Lien Sheng-Yen

Size:Length:81 x Width:181 (cm)

Size description：69×137 (畫心)

Introduction：Lien Sheng-Yen (1938-) was born in Sanchong City, Taipei County (now Sanchong District, New Taipei City). He is also known by his courtesy name Muhao and pseudonym Jie Ge. Lien graduated from the Department of Chemical Engineering at Chung Yuan Christian University and completed his studies at the Graduate Institute of Education at National Taiwan Normal University. He has held various positions, including Chairman of Qingchuan High School of Commerce, President of the Huan E Calligraphy Association, Chairman of the Chinese Calligraphy Society, Principal of Qingchuan High School of Commerce, and National Assembly Representative. Lien began studying calligraphy under Cao Qiu-Pu in 1967, establishing a foundation in regular and running scripts before exploring clerical, cursive, and seal scripts. His works have been widely recognized and have earned him the Outstanding Award in Calligraphy at the first World Calligraphy and Painting Art Competition and the Excellence Award in Calligraphy at the 10th Global Chinese Cultural and Artistic Heritage Awards. He has frequently served as a judge for national and provincial art exhibitions, including the National Art Exhibition, Provincial Art Exhibition, and Dadun Art Exhibition.
This work features the poem “Autumn Evening in the Mountains” by Tang Dynasty poet Wang Wei. The poem reads:
“After the fresh rain in the empty mountains, autumn arrives in the evening. The bright moon shines between the pines, and clear springs flow over the stones. The bamboo’s sound signals the return of the washerwomen, and the movement of the lotus stirs the fishing boat. Spring’s flowers wither as they please, but the nobleman may linger.” The poem’s unique style vividly describes the deep, tranquil mountain scene in the first four lines, followed by the sounds of bamboo and the movement of lotus highlighting human traces, further emphasizing the mountains’ solitude. The latter part conveys the poet’s longing for a quiet, secluded life away from the hustle and bustle.
Lien Sheng-Yen, rooted in tradition, meticulously studied the masterpieces of past calligraphy masters, striving to create his own innovative style with skilled brushwork. This work, written in cursive script on a horizontal scroll, showcases the personal style he developed from his teacher Tsao Chiu-Pu’s foundation. The entire piece demonstrates robust and vigorous brushstrokes with a free and unrestrained flow. The lines are rich and full, exuding strength and solidity, and the interplay of fast and slow rhythms in the brushwork creates a dynamic sense of movement. With over fifty years immersed in the art of calligraphy, Lien’s writing has achieved a level of flexibility and effortless mastery.

Accession number:PT09802500