Semi-standard Script (5th leaf)
Liu Yung (1720-1804), Ch'ing Dynasty
Album leaf, ink on paper, 21 x 23.8 cm

     In the fields of poetry and calligraphy, Liu Yung was an all-around student who never ceased in his efforts. This work of calligraphy is a careful copy of Su Shih's "Calligraphing Tu Fu's Verse on Ch'i Wood". Liu Yung not only grasped Su Shih's brushwork and characters but also the mature manner associated with this Sung dynasty artistic and literary great. Besides Su Shih, Liu Yung seems to have been particularly attentive to the poetry and calligraphy of Sung figures. His own compositions seems to have the manner and spirit of this great age of poetry. Consequently, contemporary poetry critics felt that Liu's poetry was better than his calligraphy. However, admirers of Liu Yung's calligraphy felt that his calligraphy was better. Actually, Liu had no ambition of becoming either a master poet or calligrapher. In his late years as Academician of the T'i-jen Hall at court, he already had the status equal to that of a minister. Poetry and calligraphy were merely activities that served as a personal release in time remaining from official duties. Liu Yung did everything, important or not, with great diligence and concentration. Without thinking about personal gain, he nonetheless made considerable achievements.