Couplet from a Poem by Han Hong - Emperor Lizong

A refined example of Southern Song Dynasty calligraphy by Emperor Lizong, featuring a poetic couplet on a circular silk fan leaf.

This work features a calligraphic couplet executed by Emperor Lizong of the Southern Song Dynasty. The characters are rendered in a steady, balanced script, reflecting the refined aesthetic standards of the imperial court during the thirteenth century. The text is drawn from a poem by the Tang Dynasty poet Han Hong, capturing a moment of quiet observation. The ink sits upon a circular silk fan format, a common medium for courtly artistic expression during this period.

The composition is defined by the vertical alignment of the characters, which maintain a consistent weight and rhythm. The ink remains dark and clear against the aged, neutral tone of the silk ground. Several red seal impressions are visible, indicating the historical ownership and authentication of the piece by subsequent collectors and imperial archives. These seals provide a visual counterpoint to the black ink, adding a subtle layer of colour to the otherwise monochromatic work.

Calligraphy in the Song Dynasty was regarded as a direct reflection of the writer's character and intellectual cultivation. Emperor Lizong, as a ruler, participated in this tradition by producing works that demonstrated his mastery of brush control and his engagement with classical literature. The circular format, known as a fan painting or fan leaf, was often used for intimate, portable displays of poetry and art. This piece offers a glimpse into the scholarly pursuits of the imperial household, where the act of writing was as much a meditative practice as it was a display of literacy. The preservation of this fan leaf allows for an examination of the specific calligraphic style favoured by the Southern Song elite, characterised by its clarity, poise, and adherence to traditional structural principles.