The Calligrapher — Zhào Zhīqiān 赵之谦

Qing pioneer who fused seal-script vigor into every style.

Qing calligrapher (), master of 篆隶/running script — Qing eclectic who fused seal, clerical and painting sensibilities into one bold hand. Qing dynasty

Cultural Story

Yi means lofty and outstanding, most famously in jiu yi (Jiuyi Mountains), the southern range where the Chu Ci places the tomb of the sage-king Shun. The Shi Jing praises a child as yi yi (tall and outstanding), promising greatness. The character thus joins sacred geography with the hope invested in a gifted young person, height as both place and promise.

Common words & phrases

• 九嶷 Jiuyi Mountains
• 嶷嶷 tall and outstanding

Read the story behind the character

A documentary climbs the jiu yi (Jiuyi Mountains) to the shrine of the ancient king Shun, and a baby-name book lists yi for tall and outstanding. Teachers call a bright student yi yi (tall and outstanding) when he answers first, and a travel blog tags the yi ridge for its sea of clouds. Though rare alone, yi marks both a holy yi range and a hopeful child.