2 Calligraphy Bookmarks with Red and Gold Cloud Pattern – 1

The Meaning and Origin of the Words

This exquisite calligraphy bookmark set features two classic Chinese poetic lines, each carrying profound emotions and timeless wisdom. The first, “無可奈何花落去” (Helplessly, the flowers fall), expresses sorrow over the fleeting nature of beauty and life. The second, “似曾相識燕歸來” (The swallows return, as if once familiar), offers a sense of warmth and hope, reminding us that even as things change, some joys remain constant.

These lines come from the famous poem 《浣溪沙》 by 晏殊 (Yan Shu, 991–1055 CE), a renowned poet of the Northern Song Dynasty. The poem captures the fleeting nature of time and beauty, expressing both melancholy and quiet acceptance, while also hinting at renewal and hope.

The first phrase conveys a deep sense of powerlessness, an emotional sigh over the inevitability of change. The falling flowers symbolize the end of spring, the passing of youth, and the transient nature of life’s beauty. In classical Chinese poetry, fallen petals often serve as metaphors for lost opportunities, aging, or unfulfilled emotions.

The second phrase suggests a sense of déjà vu, as if something lost has found its way back in a different form. It implies that while specific moments, people, or experiences may not return exactly as they were, life has a way of offering similar joys again. This echoes the Chinese philosophical belief in cyclical time—where ends are often beginnings, and farewells are preludes to new encounters.

Unlike Western poetic traditions that often dwell on finality, Chinese poetry frequently finds beauty in the rhythms of nature. Yan Shu’s words subtly reassure the reader that even as things change, some familiar comforts will return. The swallows are not the same as before, yet their presence feels just as warm, just as welcoming.

Together, these lines form a poetic contrast—melancholy balanced with hope, loss intertwined with renewal. Yan Shu’s words do not drown in despair; rather, they reflect a quiet acceptance of life’s inevitable changes while gently reminding us that new beginnings are always on the horizon.

About the Poet

Yan Shu (晏殊) was a prominent poet, scholar, and statesman of the Northern Song Dynasty. Known for his refined and elegant writing style, he is regarded as one of the pioneers of the Wan Yue (婉约) or “graceful and restrained” school of Chinese poetry.

A child prodigy, Yan Shu demonstrated exceptional literary talent from an early age—he could compose poetry at just seven years old and passed the imperial examination at fourteen. His brilliance earned him rapid promotion in the imperial court, where he eventually served as a high-ranking official, including the position of Prime Minister.

In literature, Yan Shu’s poetry and ci (lyric poetry) are renowned for their delicate beauty and deep emotional resonance. His works often explore themes of time’s fleeting nature, the changing seasons, and the bittersweet emotions of nostalgia and longing. Some of his most famous poems, including Huan Xi Sha (《浣溪沙》) and Die Lian Hua (《蝶恋花》), have remained cherished classics in Chinese literature.

Yan Shu’s contributions helped shape the development of Song poetry, influencing later poets such as Ouyang Xiu and Su Shi. His words, though often touched with melancholy, reflect a serene and accepting view of life, embodying the refined literary aesthetics of the Song Dynasty.

Why Choose This Bookmark?

By inscribing these verses on a calligraphy bookmark, this artwork becomes more than just a reading accessory—it becomes a meditation on time, a whispered reminder to cherish the present and embrace the future with an open heart.

Perfect for book lovers, art enthusiasts, and those who appreciate Eastern philosophy, this bookmark set makes a thoughtful gift and a timeless keepsake.