A Verse in Cursive Script
Chieh Chin
Ming Dynasty
Chieh Chin was revered for his beautiful script. China had rigorous written examinations for those looking to enter the civil services during the Ming Dynasty. Chieh Chin passed the first degree exam but later resigned to become a monk. This cursive script was especially praised because of its ability to flow and reveal individuality. This particular verse is translated as follows:
The mountain’s rocky girth has endured a thousand years,
A day has never passed without dragons and oceans,
Beneath Heaven a verdant Earth awaits benevolence,
Not knowing if clouds will settle here.
Chieh Chin
I chose this piece because when I think of calligraphy I usually think of a strict structure, and this takes my idea of calligraphy and flips it upside down. It is beautiful and fitting for such poetic contents. I like that the writing itself, and not merely the contents of the writing, are so artistically significant. In an age of electronic text and mass printing this is almost like a dying art form and its beautiful to see it in some of its ancient original glory.
This is a very interesting blog. I like how you translated it so that we could understand what this actually says. I agree with you on this being a dying art form with technology taking over it. This just makes it even more beautiful. You chose a great work to study and took an interesting avenue on it. Good job!
I like the piece that you chose. Chinese calligraphy is an amazing art form in itself. The poem is also great. I almost wish that I could read the text. I would imagine that the flowing curves and whorls of the calligraphy resemble the mountains and clouds that the artist is talking about.