Artist: Zhao Puchu
Date: Modern
Material: Ink on paper
On the second anniversary of Premier Zhou Enlai's death, Zhao Puchu came across a pine sapling during his commemorative visit to the Western Hills in Zhou's honour. The tree's straight and forceful trunk mirrored the premier's upright character. Zhao carefully transplanted the tree into a pot and placed it in front of the Premier's portrait at home. As he watched the pine and the portrait, memories of the Premier came flooding back, prompting him to write this ci poem (Gold Threads Tune), to express his endless admiration and reverence for the Premier. Created at the age of seventy-two, this work boasts upright character shapes, good brushwork strength, and a flowing yet rhythmic momentum.