Five Character Poem in Running Script《行书五言诗轴》

Tang Ken (1876–1950)
Tang Ken, courtesy name Qilin, a descendant of Tang Jinchuan, was from Wujin (present-day Changzhou), Jiangsu. In 1905, he studied law at Chuo University in Japan. After the founding of the Republic of China, he held various military and political positions in Zhili, including acting magistrate of Yixing County. After the Anti-Japanese War, he retired to Shanghai, refusing to accept puppet government positions and made a living through his art. He was skilled in literature, poetry, calligraphy, and painting, with a deep understanding of art appraisal and a vast collection, earning great acclaim.

“Five Character Poem in Running Script”
Tang Ken’s calligraphy followed the styles of Yan Zhenqing, Liu Gongquan, and the Northern Wei stele, characterized by a grand and majestic feel. This five-character poem scroll was written for Mr. Liu Guojun. It is solemn yet unrestrained, with well-balanced strokes and full of vigor, embodying the spirit of epigraphy and showcasing Tang Ken’s meticulous effort.

唐肯（1876—1950），字企林，唐荆川后裔，江苏武进（今常州）人。1905年东渡日本中央大学学习法律，民国后曾历任直隶地方军政职务、调任代理宜兴县长等职。抗战后退隐上海，拒不任伪职，以鬻艺为生。他能文善诗工书画，精鉴赏、富收藏，名重一时。

唐肯书法宗颜、柳及北碑，雄浑博大。此五言诗轴是唐肯为刘国钧先生所书，凝重而不拘谨，收放有度，笔力十足，充满了金石气，是其精心之作。