Poem on reclusion
Zha Sheng’s talents as a poet and calligrapher won him praise at the early Qing court, where he served as a scholar-official. This transcription of a poem by the famous Northern Song recluse Lin Bu (967–1028) extols the virtues of a simple life, but the message is somewhat at odds with the luxurious gold satin upon which the piece is written. The poem reads, in part:Bamboo and trees surround my dwelling,A clear stream provides more than enough excitement.At ease, a crane lingers a while by the water,Lazily, bees relax as flowers are few.—Translation after Shi-yee Liu