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Verse in Seal Script (Zhuanshu)
Verse in Seal Script (Zhuanshu)

Verse in Seal Script (Zhuanshu)

Artist (Chinese, 1864 - 1948)
Date1948
MaterialsInk on paper
DimensionsH. 84 1/2 in x W. 21 3/8 in, H. 214.6 cm x W. 54.3 cm (overall); H. 34 1/2 in x W. 11 /14 in, H. 87.6 cm x W. 28.6 cm (image)
Credit LineThe Yeh Family Collection
Object number2003.34
DepartmentChinese Art
ClassificationsPainting
On View
Not on view
SignedSignature: "to master Gongzhao for your correction, in the fifth month of the cyclical year wuzi (1948), the words collected from the holly scripture stele, your young brother Wu Jingheng, at the age of 84" Artist signature and date: 弟吳敬恆。時年八十有四。 Seal：Seal of Wu Jingheng “吳敬恆印”白文方印；Seal of Zhihui “稚暉”朱文方印。
Inscribed觀人就上下九等者已合東西二銘。公超先生方家正篆。 戊子五月集皇休明天發神讖碑字。
More Information
Wu Zhihui (aka Wu Jingheng) dedicated this two-sentence admonition, taken from an ancient stone stele, to Ye Gongchao in 1948. The two columns of character discuss the attributes by which high-minded men were assessed—virtue and education—the best men being those who cultivated Confucian ethics in themselves. At the time Wu created this work, he held a post at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (one of several he held there). In charge of day-to-day affairs, he had the support of Chiang Kai-shek.

Though in this calligraphic work Wu emphasized artistic style, he nonetheless embedded—through the combination of verse and dedication—the implication that he saw Gongchao as an embodiment of the "first-class men" mentioned in the admonition.
Wu inscribed the work: To Master Gongchao for your correction, your junior brother Wu Jingheng, at age 84, in May of the year wuzi [1948].