Calligraphy

1983

Length:45.3 x Width:93.1 (cm)

Wang Chuang-Wei (1909-1998, Hebei, China) was born Yuan-Li and was known by the sobriquets Chien-Chai and Chien-Weng, maintained studios named Yuzhao Shanfang and Shizhen Tieshushi. He was born into a farming and scholarly family, and began his studies in calligraphy and seal carving under his father. In 1928, he entered the Jinghua Academy of Fine Arts in Beiping to study Western painting. In 1937, he joined the military and served in Burma, India, and other locations during the war. After arriving in Taiwan in 1949, he held public office while also teaching at Taiwan Provincial Normal College (now National Taiwan Normal University), the National Academy of Arts (now National Taiwan University of Arts), and Chinese Culture College (now Chinese Culture University). Alongside his own calligraphy and seal carving practice, Wang actively published articles, participated in calligraphy exchange programs, and worked to promote the art form.
Wang’s early calligraphy training focused on the works of Yan Zhenqing, Liu Gongquan, and Ouyang Xun, with a particular fondness for Wang Xizhi’s Preface to the Orchid Pavilion. He later turned to Northern Stele inscriptions and, under the guidance of Shen Yinmo (1883-1971), adjusted his brush-holding technique and studied rubbings of Chu Suiliang’s steles. After moving to Taiwan, he further studied the styles of Zhao Mengfu, Wen Zhengming, as well as clerical and silk manuscript scripts, integrating their strengths into a distinctive personal style.
In the 1980s, the National Museum of History collected works from prominent Taiwanese painters and calligraphers for an overseas touring exhibition. After the exhibition concluded, the works were transferred to relevant cultural institutions. This piece bears the seal “Collected by the National Museum of History,” marking its inclusion in that project.
Verses by Yuan Yishan is executed in running-cursive script, transcribing lines by the Jin dynasty poet Yuan Haowen. Wang infuses the piece with the spirit of Northern Stele inscriptions and seal carving, wielding the brush at a slant with vigorous energy and finishing each stroke crisply to create the sturdy, angular quality of square brush tips. The character structures are inventive and nimble, balancing stability with a sense of movement.
Transcription: “White snow delays the arrival of spring; only the steadfast pine is known in the chill of the year. Verse by Yuan Yishan. Wang Chuang-Wei.”
Seals: “Guihai,” “Written by Chien-Weng after the age of seventy-five,” and “Collected by the National Museum of History.”

Accession number:20170300044