The Calligrapher — Dèng Shírú 邓石如
Qing revivalist who restored seal and clerical script to prominence.
Qing calligrapher (), master of seal script/clerical script — Qing self-taught reviver of seal and clerical script, carved energy in every stroke. Qing dynasty
Cultural Story
獺 is the otter, famed in the 詩經 and 禮記 for offering fish to the river in a ritual of gratitude. Farmers saw the 水獭 fish with startling skill, and called it a little river spirit. Its diligence made it a quiet emblem of nature's good order.
Common words & phrases
- 水獭 otter
- 旱獭 marmot
- 海獭 sea otter
Read the story behind the character
A 水獭 (otter) delights crowds at the aquarium, cracking shells on its belly. Up north a 旱獭 (marmot) whistles from burrow mounds, and a 海獭 (sea otter) floats holding hands in kelp. The word surfaces in wildlife shows and eco-tours more than in daily speech.
Own this character
Purchase delivers the original SVG of this glyph, brushed by Dèng Shírú 邓石如, ready to place on skin, paper, or screen.