博
Artist: Zhao Puchu
Date: Modern
Material: Ink on paper
On 26 December 1973, Chairman Mao Zedong celebrated his eightieth birthday. While congratulatory telegrams poured in from leaders of many nations, the Chairman modestly declined to have them published. Inspired by Mao's modesty, Zhao Puchu composed a ci poem in honour of Chairman Mao's birthday. Borrowing words from Mao's own poetry, Zhao likened plum blossoms to Mao, describing them as having 'iron-like sprigs thrust into the air, with its refreshing aroma cleansing our chest, and its colour like a dazzling sunset'. He also expressed the wish that 'may we all live long, the pines stay strong and healthy, and the young bamboo grow clean and promising'. Despite being sixty-seven years old at the time, Zhao wrote the ci poem with refreshing wording, and his calligraphy comprises meticulously structured characters written in a reserved style. The work combines reverence for the leader with superb artistic tension.
