Calligraphy

2011

Length:67 x Width:133.1 (cm)

Chen Chin-Chung (b. 1958, Hsinpu, Hsinchu) holds a Ph.D. in Chinese Literature from National Chengchi University and currently serves as a professor in the Department of Chinese Literature at National Chung Hsing University, where he is also Director of the Art Center. A recipient of the Chung Hsing Literary Award and the China Literary Award, Chen has served as a juror for numerous competitions, including the National Language Contest, Taiwan Provincial Art Exhibition, Government Employee Art Exhibition, and the Dadun Fine Arts Exhibition. In addition to his calligraphy practice, he is well-versed in Chinese literature and the history of calligraphy, with numerous publications to his name.
This work features Chen’s semi-cursive script rendering of a poem titled Aftertaste by poet Chen Tian (1944-). The piece evokes the leisurely mood and lingering flavors of oolong tea. Chen’s brushwork is fluid and expressive, with well-balanced spacing and a spacious, composed layout. The rhythmic cadence of his strokes echoes the poetic sentiment, resulting in a harmonious interplay of form and meaning.
Transcription: “Curled into dark green. Time compressed by fire. Its color not yet pierced by the eye of early spring. Your awakened body echoes with a mellow fragrance, leaving me to savor all day—a quiet path, cicada song, the scent of fruit.” The inscription concludes with the artist’s commentary: “Since ancient times, scholars have preferred wine to tea, and many enduring works of poetry and calligraphy were created under its influence. Nowadays, tea has taken wine’s place, though fine works are less often seen. Chen Tian’s poem beautifully captures the lingering notes of oolong tea—both the tea and the verse are exquisite.” Dated 2011, with the seal “Chen Chin-Chung.”

Accession number:20170100023