Humanistic Calligraphy: Zhang Jinde's Free Calligraphy

Author: Zhang Jinde
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-05-01
Features: A lifetime of simplicity has achieved his calligraphy art. Thus, we touch the essence of outstanding literati from ancient times: independent, self-respecting, grand, with a robust character and ethereal charm. His long recitations, quiet odes, passionate laments, and a blend of elegance and rustic simplicity. The author, Zhang Jinde, is a true "Chinese commoner." His calligraphy works are neither for opportunistic occasions nor artificial, but always in harmony with his plain and contented life. A lifetime of simplicity has achieved his calligraphy art. Thus, we touch the essence of outstanding literati from ancient times: independent, self-respecting, grand, with a robust character and ethereal charm. His long recitations, quiet odes, passionate laments, and a blend of elegance and rustic simplicity. Mr. Jinde reveals his soul's fingerprints through his ink traces, "A jeweled lute has fifty strings, each string and pillar reminds me of youthful years," expressing his late-life sentiments: "Facing the Jieshi Mountain, I gaze upon the vast sea," which can be seen as him sharing his poetic aspirations with the poets; from "The Horse Talk," one can hear the mournful cries of a fine horse unable to fulfill its (thousand-li ambition); while "My waistband gradually tightens, yet I never regret, for I would willingly grow thin for you," perfectly portrays his portrait standing tall in the cold wind. "I write calligraphy just for freedom," facing conventions and customs, the master upholds his integrity, defending the freedom of his soul in the small space. He is a calligraphy art master who lives away from the hustle and bustle, silently cultivating in the pure and thick wilderness. Before his sudden passing, he left behind over sixty ink works. This signifies that in this ancient land, those commoners who persistently survive in their own ways and resolutely move toward their end are the true inheritors of outstanding Chinese culture.