The Calligrapher — Shěn Càn 沈粲

Ming calligrapher of the Two Shen known for elegant, flowing cursive script.

Ming calligrapher (), master of cursive script — known for 沈度之弟. Ming dynasty

Cultural Story

便 is ease. The 史记 sends a 方便 messenger who travels light; a Ming inn was called 便 when the road was good. To act 随便 was to leave the choice open, and 简便 ink saved the clerk's hand. A 便当 box made the noon meal portable. The character is the path made short.

Common words & phrases

• 方便 convenient · convenience · handy
• 便利 convenient · easy · facility
• 随便 casual · random · careless · as one pleases
• 简便 simple and convenient · handy · easy
• 便当 convenient · easy · bento
• 以便 so that · in order to · so as to

Read the story behind the character

The map finds a 方便 stop on the route; the new tool is 便利 for the whole team. A lunch 便当 sits in the bag, and the dress code stays 随便. People book early 以便 the group fits the train. Shortening the day's errands — from the bento box to the one-tap ride — is what this word quietly does.