Selected Calligraphy Works by Fan Zeng

Author: Fan Zeng
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2003-08-01
Features: The Yellow Sea surges, embracing the towering peaks of Laoshan to the north, stretching far to the vast ocean and the deep grottoes. The celestial path revolves around the stars, where immortals reside in mystical abodes; melodious sounds accompany the moon, and divine beings dwell in exquisite caves. Pine winds accompany the waves, as a thousand mountains resemble green tablets returning to their masters; morning glories deliver light, as ten thousand ravines push sacred springs to rely on their roots. Sometimes, a line of jade hangs across the stream, leaping over gullies and through gorges; at other times, a hundred zhang (a Chinese unit of length) curtain cascades, striking cliffs and rocks. Suddenly, the sky tilts, revealing a pure realm; clouds carry phoenix bells, playing in harmony with great drums. Truly, it is a (a mystical land) within the world and a blessed land of Shandong. It seems as if one has reached the mythical Penglai, with chariots welcoming Qin Emperor's grand procession; it gives rise to alchemical furnaces, fulfilling the immortal dreams of Tang Emperor.
This is a famous mountain at sea, not only towering high into the night sky but also surrounded by a multitude of peaks. The springs of Laoshan, reaching the heavens and bordering the boundless earth. The perilous mist rises, clouds soar, and secluded valleys are shrouded in smoke. The springs are aided by the divine, and the mountains come alive with the springs, unmatched in their wonder under heaven. There is an inscription for the sweet spring, yet none for the Laoshan spring.
Tai Bai, with his unparalleled talent across generations, indulged in eating purple mist, forgetting to write heroic texts; Song Ling explored the soul of the (the underworld), only caring for crimson snow, occasionally composing verses about sea mirages. The wise and refined, dazzled by the eyes but intoxicated by the heart, retreat into seclusion, forgetting to speak—truly a pity.
Moreover, our Taoist tradition in China places great emphasis on the metaphysical, aligning with the I Ching; it descends into mythology, not limited to witchcraft. From the eastern sea to the western Kunlun, from the southernmost Jingchu to its profound grandeur, it rivals Greece; the Great Mysterious () is as profound as the Christian God. It elucidates the transformation of yin and yang, promotes the philosophy of nature, reveals the great beauty of heaven and earth, and reveres the highest virtue of human relationships.
Only our Laoshan spring knows its flow and change, permeating all things, embodying the virtue of water. Watching the cliffs turn green, one understands the laws of the four seasons; waiting for the deep gorges to turn red, one knows the principles of all things. The celestial balance teaches people the way—this is evident.
The officials, with their esteemed expectations, entrusted me to name the Inner Nine Waters and Eighteen Pools. Gazing at the springs flowing and the pools overflowing, my mind surges with inspiration. With sincerity, I present this to those who come after, so that the magnificent cliffs may wave their waves to the ends of the earth, and the elegant odes may preserve this fragrance forever.