Excerpt from “Song of Leyou Park” 1186 - 1266

Zhang Jizhi created this excerpt from “Song of Leyou Park” during the Southern Song dynasty, using ink on paper. Zhang Jizhi lived during a tumultuous period of Chinese history, as the Song Dynasty was pushed south by the Jin dynasty. Calligraphy, especially the highly skilled, expressive form seen here, was deeply intertwined with the literati identity. It was not merely writing, but a profound expression of personal cultivation, social standing, and aesthetic sensibility. “Song of Leyou Park” embodies a sense of longing and reflection, common during a time of political instability and cultural transition. The poem speaks of leisure and reflection, perhaps hinting at a yearning for peace amidst chaos. Each stroke reflects the artist's inner state, offering a glimpse into the emotional landscape of a scholar living through displacement and change. It’s as if the weight of history is carried in the ink, each character a testament to resilience.