Written with love, shared with joy.
Calligraphy Bookmark with Portrait of Elegant Lady and Blue Tassel – 1
$10.00
A delicate calligraphy bookmark featuring elegant lady portraits with a soft blue tassel, adorned with the calligraphy of a poignant expression of longing and reminiscence, evoking the sorrow of love lost.
This piece is a poetic blend of art and emotion.
- Materials: High-quality, durable paperboard with a smooth finish.
- Design: Finely illustrated portrait of several ancient Chinese graceful ladies.
- Calligraphy: Features Lu You’s poetic line, handwritten using traditional brush techniques.
- Seals: Stamped with the artist’s personal name seal for authenticity.
- Dimensions: 21 cm x 7 cm.
The Meaning and Origin of the Words
This exquisite calligraphy bookmark is a fusion of traditional Chinese aesthetics and literary depth. The front showcases a finely illustrated portrait of a graceful lady, complemented by a soft blue tassel, adding a touch of elegance and serenity. The focal point, however, is the four-character inscription “惊鸿照影” (Jīng Hóng Zhào Yǐng), originate from the poem Shen Garden (沈园二首) by the renowned Song Dynasty poet Lu You (陆游, 1125–1210). The full verse reads:
“傷心橋下春波綠，曾是驚鴻照影來。”
A Metaphor for Fleeting Beauty and Lost Love
The phrase “惊鸿照影” can be broken down as follows:
- 驚鴻 (Jīng Hóng) – “Startled swan” or “frightened wild goose,” a metaphor in classical Chinese poetry for a woman of extraordinary grace and beauty.
- 照影 (Zhào Yǐng) – “Casting a reflection,” evoking the image of the swan gliding over the water, its reflection appearing momentarily before vanishing.
Taken together, “驚鴻照影” paints a vivid picture of a breathtakingly beautiful woman whose presence, like the fleeting reflection of a swan in water, is both stunning and ephemeral.
This phrase encapsulates a deep emotional undercurrent – not just admiration for beauty but also a sense of longing, regret, and the transience of cherished moments. It serves as a poetic representation of love lost, memories fading, and the bittersweet nature of nostalgia.
Lu You wrote Shen Garden after a chance encounter with his former love, Tang Wan (唐琬), at the very location that gave the poem its name. Despite their deep affection, the two were forcibly separated due to family opposition, and Tang Wan was later married to another man. When they met again years later, they could only exchange sorrowful glances, unable to change their fate. Stricken by grief, Lu You composed this poem, pouring his heartbreak into words.
In the poem, the poet stands by a bridge over a green spring river, reminiscing about the past. The phrase “惊鸿照影” expresses his lingering love—he recalls how Tang Wan, like a magnificent yet untouchable swan, once illuminated his life. However, just like the reflection in water, she is now unreachable, existing only in memories.
About the Poet
Lu You (1125–1210 CE) was one of the greatest poets of the Song Dynasty, known for his vast literary output, patriotic sentiments, and deeply emotional verses. His works often reflect his deep concern for China’s political situation, as he strongly supported the fight against the Jurchen invaders who had taken northern China.
His poem Shen Garden was written in memory of his lost love, Tang Wan (唐琬). Despite their deep affection, they were forced apart by family opposition. Years later, Lu You encountered Tang Wan by chance at Shen Garden, but she was already married to another. Overwhelmed with sorrow, he penned these verses to express his enduring love and heartbreak.
Today, Lu You is remembered as one of the greatest poets in Chinese history, and his words continue to inspire those who value perseverance, patriotism, and lifelong learning.
Why Choose This Bookmark?
This calligraphy bookmark is more than just a reading accessory – it is a miniature piece of Chinese culture, carrying profound poetic meaning and traditional artistry. Ideal for book lovers, collectors, and anyone who appreciates the beauty of Chinese calligraphy and poetry.
A unique gift that encapsulates timeless elegance, romance, and artistic heritage.
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