Orchid Song Calligraphy in Seal and Semicursive Scripts (Zhuanshu and Xingshu)
Artist
Hong Liangji
(Chinese, 1764 - 1809)
Date1784-1809
DynastyQing dynasty (1644-1911)
MaterialsInk on paper
DimensionsH. 15 3/8 in x W. 45 in, H. 39.1 cm x W. 114.3 cm (image); H. 16 5/8 in, 42.2 cm (overall)
Credit LineThe Yeh Family Collection
Object number2007.104
DepartmentChinese Art
ClassificationsPainting
On View
Not on viewSignedArtist signature: Hong Liangji. 洪亮吉。
Seal: Seal of Hong Liangji 洪亮吉印(白文方印)：Gengsheng Jushi 更生居士(白文方印)；長毋毋相忘(朱文圓印, 引首印)。
Inscribed如蘭(篆書)。
維蘭有香。蓋於一國, 厥為賢明, 亦曰幽客。服之而媚, 匪薰薌澤, 種之自芳, 匪鬥顏色。美人其心, 君子其德, 是以似之, 吾與朝夕。蘭圃一兄硯長。
More InformationHong Liangji, an imperial academician during the late Qing dynasty, wrote this lyrical passage in praise of orchids. His song to the orchid, a symbol of national virtue, was a reflection of his belief in the importance of cultivating humankind's inherently moral nature; he also indirectly protested the injustice he had encountered.
Two large characters in seal script read "Orchid Song" (not shown). The prose, written in semicursive script, talks about the pistils of the orchid and their symbolic relationship to political virtues. Hong wrote this for a friend who worked in an orchid nursery.
Two large characters in seal script read "Orchid Song" (not shown). The prose, written in semicursive script, talks about the pistils of the orchid and their symbolic relationship to political virtues. Hong wrote this for a friend who worked in an orchid nursery.
