Calligraphy

1987

Length:44.5 x Width:91 (cm)

Accession Number：20170300238

Chen Chih-Sheng (b. 1960, Shalu, Taichung) was introduced to calligraphy during his years at Chingshui High School under the guidance of Tsao Wei-Chu (1913-1980), and later studied with renowned calligraphers Chen Hsuan-Ming (1942-), Chen Wei-Te (1945-), and Tu Chung-Kao (1948-). Proficient in multiple script styles, he has received numerous awards from provincial and national exhibitions, including the Taiwan Provincial Public Servants' Calligraphy Exhibition, the National Art Exhibition, and the Ministry of Education's Literary and Art Creation Awards. From 2003 to 2010, he served as Director of the Taichung County Cultural Affairs Bureau and has been a senior advisor to the Taichung City Government since 2011.
Chen Chih-Sheng’s calligraphy embodies the principle of “all methods return to one,” rooted in nature and expressing clarity balanced with restraint. In this piece, he transcribes the poem Seeing Wei Wan Off to the Capital by Tang-dynasty poet Li Qi (690-751) in kai script (standard script). Drawing from the gentle structure of Ouyang Xun’s (557-641) Tang-dynasty zhangkai (formal kai script), he also incorporates the elegance of Zhiyong and the seal-script-inspired roundness of Yu Shinan’s (558-638) brushstrokes.
Each character is bold yet refined, composed with rigor and grace, exemplifying Chen’s mastery of structural rhythm in kai script. The composition demonstrates a harmonious blend of classical styles with a personal, contemporary spirit.
Transcription:”At dawn I hear the farewell song of a traveler. Last night’s first frost had just crossed the river. Wild geese echo sorrow I cannot bear to hear, While I pass through clouds and mountains far from home. The cold advances with the light at the border gate,
While the sound of pounding cloth in the imperial gardens grows by dusk. Do not be drawn to the pleasures of Chang’an, And let the years slip by in vain.” The artist’s inscription at the end reads: “Spring of the Dingmao year. Chen Chih-Sheng.” The work is sealed with three stamps: “Cherish Ink,” “Chen,” and “Seal of Chen Chih-Sheng.”