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Clerical script couplet by Qing Dynasty calligrapher Yi Bingshou

Updated: Oct 11, 2025 www.chinaservicesinfo.com Print

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Five-character couplet in clerical script, Yi Bingshou, Qing Dynasty, from the collection of the Shanxi Museum [Photo/provided to chinaservicesinfo.com]

Can you recognize this calligraphy style? It is a couplet written in the clerical script by Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) calligrapher Yi Bingshou (1754-1815) at the age of 49, in English: "Chanting about the wind, much ancient style; Drinking to the moon, possessed by new joy." Square and well-proportioned, the characters embody skill with simplicity. Currently, this piece is housed in the Shanxi Museum.

Yi Bingshou, accomplished in calligraphy, seal carving and painting landscapes and ink plum blossoms, is most famous for his clerical script.