Calligraphy 

Curator: This is a calligraphy piece attributed to Chen Chun, part of the Harvard Art Museums collection. The mounting stands at just over 35 centimeters. Editor: It feels so immediate, doesn't it? The ink bleeds and the characters appear almost like gestural drawings rather than precise script. Curator: Precisely. Chen Chun was known for his expressive style. Calligraphy held high cultural status, closely linked with painting and poetry. Editor: You can almost feel the rhythm of the brush, the quality of the ink, and the absorbency of the paper all dictate the final form. Curator: The lack of a specific date also speaks to its potential function, perhaps more personal than an official commission. Its strokes also reflect the literati culture, valuing personal expression. Editor: It’s the raw materiality that really resonates. The dance between control and chance is quite palpable. It feels very alive. Curator: Seeing this work helps us appreciate the historical and cultural forces at play in its creation. Editor: And the very human touch involved in each stroke. Wonderful.