Seven Character Couplet in Seal Script《篆书七言联》

Deng Shiru (1743–1805)
Deng Shiru, originally named Yan, courtesy names Shiru and Wanbo, and pseudonym Wanbai Shanren, was from Huaining, Anhui. A man of integrity and independence, he made a living through calligraphy and seal carving. He mastered all four styles of calligraphy, especially excelling in seal script, drawing inspiration from Li Si and Li Yangbing, and integrating clerical script elements. He broke through the limitations of the slender and delicate seal script, creating a bold and vigorous style. His clerical script captured the spirit of Han steles, breaking free from the constraints of Tang clerical script, with tightly structured characters that were both robust and dynamic. His regular script followed the style of Six Dynasties steles, with decisive and compact strokes, distinct from the “palace style.” His seal carving was strong and graceful, dignified and fresh, revolutionizing the seal style since the Qin and Han dynasties, earning the reputation of the “Deng School.” Deng Shiru’s contributions had a significant impact on the mid-to-late Qing calligraphy scene.

“Seven Character Couplet in Seal Script”
This couplet is a mature work that integrates clerical script into seal script, with bold and flowing lines, full of spirit and vitality, combining grandeur with rational form, and possessing great aesthetic appeal.

Translation of couplet:
“The bright moon always shines on the steps; piles of books constantly fill the seats.”

邓石如（1743—1805），初名琰，字石如、顽伯，别号完白山人，安徽怀宁人。布衣，性耿介，以书刻自给。精四体书，尤长于篆书，取法李斯、李阳冰，参入隶意，突破玉筋篆千年樊篱，沉雄圆劲，别开一片天地。隶书得汉碑之神，摆脱唐隶束缚，结体紧密，貌丰骨劲，大气磅礴，一洗时习。楷书取法六朝碑版，斩钉截铁，平正紧密，大异于“馆阁体”。篆刻则刚健婀娜，庄重清新，则一变秦汉以来玺印格局，有“邓派”之誉。是开宗立派的艺术大家，对清代中、后期书坛有巨大影响。

此联是他风格成熟后的作品，融隶入篆，线条雄浑流畅，精神饱满，既有气势，又有理性的造型，极具审美感染力。

释文：明月自来阶左右，积书常满座西东。