Four Panels in Lacquer Script, Four panels
Jin Nong
Qing Dynasty
- MEDIUM:Ink on paper
- FORMATS:Four panels
- DIMENSIONS:Height 84.5cm; Width 32.0 cm
Introduction
Lacquer Script was a calligraphic style uniquely created by Jin Nong, which he called “Dry Brush Eight-Part Script.” This work, produced at the age of 59 while living in Yangzhou, is a transcription of a poem by his close friend Zheng Banqiao. The ink appears as thick and lustrous as lacquer, with occasional dry-brush gaps revealing the paper beneath. His brush technique alternates between sweeping horizontals and oblique pulls, with strokes that are square and flat at the top, tapering to long pointed ends—resembling inverted chive leaves—hence known as the “inverted chive” brush method. The overall style is robust yet unpolished, austere yet imbued with a touch of naive charm.
The inscription in running script reads: “This five-character regulated verse was composed by my friend Zheng Banqiao. I love its playful charm, expressed in the solitary, aloof style known as ‘Jiao Han Dao Shou.’ I love it so much that I copied it here. I love the high skill and extraordinary character of the poet himself.” Writing classical poems was common, but copying the verse of a contemporary friend was rare; the threefold repetition of ‘love’ shows the depth of Jin Nong’s affection and admiration for Zheng Banqiao.
