Rare Superb Vintage Chinese Calligraphy Scroll with Famous Poem "Winter Begins" by Wang Zhideng

Wang Zhideng was a highly regarded Chinese poet born in 1535 and died in 1612 in the Ming dynasty. A child prodigy, he could do large character calligraphy at the age of six and compose poetry at ten. Best known for his monumental clerical or seal-script frontispieces for handscrolls, he is regarded as one of China's best poets of all time.

This scroll shows shows one of Wang Zhideng's best poems titled "Winter Begins". It is a deep poem with plenty for the reader to lament and interpret - just as Chinese poems are supposed to be. I have included the translation in English in this listing, but please be aware that this is a deep poem, the reader will need to reach their own understanding. The calligraphy was superbly done by Lie Feng Pu.

The poem in the scroll in Chinese

秋風吹盡舊庭柯，

黃葉丹楓客里過。

一點禪燈半輪月，

今宵寒較昨宵多

明·王稚登    诗·立冬

Translation in English

Autumn wind blows at the old garden branches

Yellow leaves and red Maple leaves - a passing guest

A little Zen lamp and a half moon

Tonight is colder than last night

By Wang Zhideng     Title: Winter Begins

Winter Begins  立冬

Poet: Wang Zhideng 王稚登 (1535 - 1612), Ming Dynasty

Calligrapher: Lie Feng Pu 李浲普

Size: Approximately 170 x 47 cm

Signed and stamped by the calligrapher

Year: Unknown

Condition report: The scroll has some stains and lines, and a tear (not impacting the scroll) at the back of one of the wooden scrollers. Please look at all the pictures in this listing as they form part of the sale.

Pick up is welcome from Ringwood East in Melbourne - please contact us.