Five Character Couplet in Cursive Script《草书五言联》

Zhang Daqian (1899–1983)
Zhang Daqian, born with the given name Zhengquan and later known as Yuan, was a native of Neijiang, Sichuan. From an early age, he studied painting under the guidance of his mother and elder brother, Zhang Shanzi. Later, he apprenticed under Zeng Xi and Li Ruiqing. Renowned for his expertise in art appraisal and extensive art collection, Zhang possessed a broad artistic vision. His studies encompassed a wide range of influences, from the Tang dynasty Dunhuang murals to masters such as Shitao and Bada Shanren. He was known for his diligent copying of these works, achieving such accuracy that they were often indistinguishable from the originals. Zhang’s creative process was marked by a desire to challenge the masters of the past, resulting in a profound legacy across various genres, including landscapes, figures, flowers, birds, calligraphy, and seal carving. He is celebrated as one of the most legendary Chinese artists of the 20th century.

In his calligraphy, Zhang initially trained under Li Ruiqing and Zeng Xi, achieving such precision in imitation that his works could be mistaken for originals. After the 1930s, he broadened his influences, rapidly transforming his imitative pieces into his unique style. This particular couplet reflects the influence of Hua Yan’s artistic approach. Works in this style are rare and deviate from Zhang’s more commonly recognized aesthetics, leading some scholars to question its authenticity. However, it is undoubtedly a genuine piece, though the calligraphy appears more unrestrained. The spirit of the brush and ink remains distinctly Zhang Daqian’s own.

Translation of couplet: “The bamboo light clusters with wild dewdrops; The pines’ hues chill beneath the autumn stars.”

张大千（1899—1983），原名正权，又名爰，号大千，四川内江人。早年随母亲和胞兄张善孖学画，后拜曾熙、李瑞清为师。精鉴赏、富收藏，眼界极为开阔。他取法甚广，上至唐代敦煌壁画，下至石涛、八大，皆用功临摹，所作形神毕肖，几可乱真。创作时随手拈来，有血战古人之志。山水、人物、花鸟、书法、篆刻都在中国书画史上留下了浓重的一笔，是二十世纪富有传奇色彩的艺术大师。

张大千书法早年师从李瑞清、曾熙二人，能够逼真地临摹李瑞清的书作，达到乱真的地步。三十年代以后，他转益多师，能够快速将临仿之作化为己用。此联为他以华嵒笔意为之，因此路作品较少，不类常见风格，故有些学者认为此作为伪作，实际为真迹无疑。只是书写时较为放逸，笔墨精神仍是大千自己的。释文：竹光團野露，松色冷秋星。