COLLECTION: CHINESE CALLIGRAPHY

Selected Works in Collection

Noble Manner

Artist: H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III

The two Chinese characters in this work of calligraphy mean “Noble Manner.” They manifest a calligraphic style that is different from other styles in the world. The artist created this work of calligraphy free of any mental attachment or artificiality and without any pre-existing calligraphic plan or intent. His writing hand was unfettered, and his heart was free. All movements of the brush were spontaneous. A natural charm that springs from childlike innocence were attained. This type of impromptu wielding of the brush can be described as the cursive writing style of a child. The term “Noble Manner” means that one should have an elevated and broad manner, an all-inclusive magnanimity. We should let others, rather than ourselves, have that which is beneficial so that we may attain a noble moral character, and we should cultivate a mentality of non-attachment in order to develop our virtue.

A Spring Day

A quatrain in 7-word lines
Author: Zhu Xi of Song Dynasty
Artist: Emperor Yongzheng (1678-1735) of Qing Dynasty

An emperor of the Qing Dynasty, Yongzheng was an unusual ruler: his outstanding talent, strong disposition, and legendary political career are worthy of marvel. His calligraphic works, for which he was renowned, are defined by controlled strokes that are elegant and strong, and a disciplined character structure that is nevertheless powerful and magnificent. They reveal the refinement and broad vision of a ruler with noble aspirations. At the Beijing Council Autumn 2009 Auction, Emperor Yongzheng’s calligraphic work Diamond Sutra sold for RMB$40,320,000 (approximately US$5,893,700). This calligraphy work by the emperor was praised by Mr. Lin Jiguang, a renowned Chinese art appraiser, as being among the finest of Emperor Yongzheng’s calligraphy.

Gao Shan Wu Dao Xi

A Verse in Running Hand Script
Author and artist: H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III

Emerald Jade

A quatrain of 5-word lines titled Emerald Jade, Running-hand script
Author and artist: H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III

Each of the rapid cursive writing styles of famous Chinese calligraphers throughout history has its own merits. Additionally, numerous varieties of calligraphy have evolved from the different forms of Chinese characters, such as the regular script, cursive script, official script, and seal character. The most famous calligraphers in the rapid cursive style are Wang Xizhi, Zhang Huaiguan, and He Shaoji. One of the foremost calligraphers of modem times is Master Youren Yu. However, H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III is totally different from all other great masters of calligraphy. It can be said that He created more calligraphic styles than any other calligrapher in the world, including calligraphers throughout the history of Chinese calligraphy. H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III has written calligraphy in forms and styles that He Himself created, such as the childlike form, the dragon and snake form, the semi-cursive script, the small cursive script, the large cursive script, the jade belt script, and the steel bone script. He has developed many calligraphic styles that reflect the quintessence of calligraphic charm. This high-quality work in the rapid cursive style reflects great calligraphic abilities. It is devoid of the constraints of ancient styles that others have rigidly adhered to and is free of the limitations inherent in rubbings from stone inscriptions. Created with an unfettered hand and unattached mind, it has the appearance of celestial writing accomplished with a childlike mind and steady strokes of the brush. It is naturally attractive and reflects complete calligraphic proficiency. No trace of the mundane can be found. It is a work that exemplifies appealing gracefulness, flowing charm, and brisk elegance.

Wu Wo Nai Da Cheng

Great accomplishment is attained only through selflessness
Artist: H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III

This work of calligraphy is in the steel brush-tip technique. There is a striking steely, powerful calligraphic style to this work entitled “Great Accomplishment Is Attained Only Through Selflessness.” It conveys a sense of utmost firmness, like that of iron or steel.
There is profound meaning to the sentence “Great accomplishment is attained only through selflessness.” As human beings living in this world, we must first let go of “self.” Day and night we should stay far away from selfishness and should derive our happiness from benefiting others. When attachment to the concept of self is absent in our thoughts, we become free of selfishness and greed. Our minds become bright, clear, and free of impediments. We then consider the interests of others and are naturally respected by others. Consequently, we are physically and mentally at ease and are happy. Through this natural process, one can successfully refine one’s state of mind to be broad, elevated, and pure until one eventually attains the complete elimination of all defilements.

Temple of Good Fortune and Wisdom

Artist: H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III

The characteristic feature of this calligraphic work is the firmness seen within gentleness. Although casually written with natural strokes of the brush, one can see a vigorous and powerful quality born of strong calligraphic skills on the highest level. If one does not have a solid foundation in stone inscriptions, one could not possibly attain such a marvelous mastery of calligraphy. “Temple of Good Fortune and Wisdom” is an inscription written for a Buddhist temple.

About Chinese Calligraphy

Throughout history, no art form is able to reflect a person’s moral character and knowledge except for Chinese calligraphy. The aura created by a person’s achievements in a field of study or his creations of art can often cover up his deficiencies in knowledge and character. But that is not the case in Chinese calligraphy, which is like a three-dimensional projecting mirror. The depth of one’s knowledge, the level of one’s moral character, and the strength of one’s mind are revealed through the brushstrokes and they cannot be concealed. How one writes ordinarily in Chinese characters tells how well educated one is. It is all the more true in terms of calligraphy using the traditional brush pen and cotton paper.

Looking at Chinese history, we see without exception that all the famous calligraphers were great masters of literature who had profound knowledge. Examples include Wang Xizhi, Huai Su, He Shaoji, Yue Fei, Yu Youren, among others. They were all well-learned and paragons of virtue.

In addition, the style of the brushstrokes, the content of the writing, and the arrangement of the text convey the moral sentiment, ideals and characters of a man. General Yan Zhenqing, a famous calligrapher of the Tang Dynasty, was also a brave, compassionate and patriotic army general. One can easily empathize with his uprightness by reading his calligraphy works.

Therefore, Chinese calligraphy is an art form that enjoys as high a status as painting in China. The museum has a rich collection of Chinese calligraphy works that range from the past to the present.

Featured Works On View

To Shine Like the Sun and Moon, Cultivate Peacefulness by Being Tolerant and Patient

A couplet in running hand script style
Author and artist: H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III

Couplets

This work of calligraphy translates as, “To shine like the sun and moon, cultivate peacefulness by being tolerant and patient;” “To last as long as the mountains and rivers, be a benevolent one of virtue.” This couplet was written by H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III to masters who learn and practice Buddha Dharma. It encourages those masters to lead well the Buddhist practitioners who follow them. Only by acting in accordance with what is written in this couplet can one becomes a noble person.

The meaning of this couplet is as follows: No matter what our circumstances may be, we must always remember to be tolerant and patient under insult and adversity and cultivate our conduct at all times. additionally, we should broadly plant seeds of goodness and develop ourselves to be selfless people of noble moral character. This type of morality is as bright as the sun and moon. Those who personify it will receive the respect and love of others.

“To last as long as the mountains and rivers, be a benevolent one of virtue” refers to people who have a noble, moral character; who exemplify benevolence, justice, proper manners, wisdom, and faithfulness; who show loving care for others; and who selflessly contribute to others. Their state of realization and virtue will last as long as the mountains and rivers, never fading away.

A Couplet by Wu Changshuo

A couplet in inscription style
Author and artist: Wu Changshuo (1844-1927)

This couplet by Wu Changshuo is written on a pair of scrolls in the calligraphic style of inscriptions on ancient bronze objects. One scroll is on the left side of the Longevity Peaches painting, and the other scroll is on the right side. This is a marvelous calligraphic work of the highest level. When it comes to calligraphy in the style of inscriptions on ancient bronze objects, Wu Changshuo can rightly be called the preeminent calligrapher in all of Chinese history. The main characters in the inscription style in the couplet are (right side)君子好遁 and (left side)彌勒同龕.

Couplets