Seven Character Couplet in Running Script《行书七言联》

Wang Wenzhi (1730–1802)
Wang Wenzhi, courtesy name Yuqing and pseudonym Menglou, was from Zhenjiang, Jiangsu. In the 25th year of the Qianlong reign (1760), he achieved the third-place honor in the imperial examination and served as a Hanlin Academy reader, later becoming the prefect of Yunnan. He was well-versed in Buddhism and excelled in calligraphy, particularly influenced by Dong Qichang and Tang dynasty sutra calligraphy. Alongside Weng Fanggang, Liu Yong, and Liang Tongshu, he was one of the “Four Masters of the Qianlong Stele School” and was known for his use of light ink to convey an ethereal charm, earning him the nickname “Light Ink Exploring Flower.”

“Seven Character Couplet in Running Script”
From this piece, we can see Wang Wenzhi’s calligraphy, characterized by its disciplined yet free-flowing brushwork, tight and restrained structure, and clear and elegant ink tones. His writing style truly inherited Dong Qichang’s calligraphic spirit, with fewer turns and more curves, appearing decisive and neat. The strokes are both delicate and bold, with a sense of talent and scholarly charm evident throughout.

Translation of couplet: “In the seat, the quiet fragrance of orchids can be eternal, Outside the pavilion, the clear shade of bamboo is inherently serene.”

王文治（1730—1802），字禹卿，号梦楼，江苏镇江人。乾隆二十五年（1760）探花，官翰林侍读，出为云南知府。精佛学，擅书法，主宗董其昌与唐人写经，与翁方纲、刘墉、梁同书齐名，并称“乾隆四大家”。他平时喜用淡墨，以表现潇疏秀逸之神韵，故时有“淡墨探花”之称。

从此书可以看出王文治书法用笔规矩而洒脱，结构紧密而内敛，墨色以清润淡雅，着实继承了董其昌的书法精神。其书用笔转少折多，显得果断利落。点画既妩媚动人，又俊爽豪逸，字里行间处处流露出他的才情和文人书卷之气。

释文：坐间兰气静能永，亭外竹阴清自幽。