The plaque of “High Mountains and Long Rivers”

The plaque of “High Mountains and Long Rivers”

The plaque is hung on ShangaoShuichang Pavilion, with an inscription reading “Auspicious day in Mid Spring of Ja-Chen Year of Jiajing Period” on the top and another reading “Authored by Zhan Ruishui and rewritten by Zhan Yan, grandson of the 14th generation”. The characters of “High Mountains and Long Rivers” are written in black regular-cursive script in a yellow background, with upper and lower inscriptions written in the regular script. The original board was lost and the existing one is writing by Zhan Yan, grandson of the 14th generation of Zhan Ruishui. The calligraphic style is under the influence of Yan Zhenqing and stele inscriptions of the North, featuring upright and crude structure, tough and robust strokes, as well as skillful conception and execution. High Mountains and Long Rivers depict the lofty mountain and the flowing river. It used to describe people’s lasting demeanor or reputation, which is like the mountain, and later people’s amazing grace or favor for others. It is used here as a commendation for Zhong Yuyan’s enduring moral, ethics and manner.