He Weipu, Couplet in Running Script

Dimensions: calligraphy 169 x 41 cm; mounting 200 x 47 cm

Calligraphy: 芷籬為扈树蘭為佩, 竹箭有筠松柏有心。 Translation: The angelica and caraway are the attendants; trees and orchids are the jade plates. Baby bamboo has beautiful green skin and conifer has a heart.

Inscription: 君硯仁兄觀察大人雅正。 詩孙弟何維樸。 Translation: For my dear friend Junyan, with appreciation from the brother Shisun, He Weipu

Artist's seals: 何維樸印 Seal of He Weipu (square intaglio) 詩孫 Artist’s zi, or alias (square relief)

He Weipu (1844-1925, alternative name Shisun, 詩孫, Pansou, 盤叟, Wansui laoren, 晚遂老人) is a grandson of He Shaoji (1799-1873), one of the foremost calligraphers of the late Qing period. Weipu became a fugong* in 1867, and served as a government official. He was an accomplished master of painting, calligraphy and seal carving. This couplet is calligraphed on paper painted with auspicious symbols, such as phoenixes and bats in gold and silver. Such couplets were often commissioned and then given as a gift for good wishes. *Fugong was a student who did not pass the local Civil Service Exam, but was permitted to enter the imperial academy because of his academic excellence (Mōri, 11). Reference Mōri Kazumi and Yun Shouping. Chūgoku kaiga no rekishi to kanshō: shinpen yakuchū Ōkōkan gabatsu. Tokyo: Nigensha, 1985. Shibuya kuritsu Shōtō bijutsukan (Shibuya Ward Shōtō Musuem). Chūgoku kaiga o tanoshimu – Hashimoto korekushon o chūshin ni. Tokyo: Shibuya kuritsu Shōtō bijutsukan, 1998.