1. Original text
Mo Mei
Wang Mian
The tree at the head of the pond where I wash inkstones has blossoms with faint ink marks.
Don’t let anyone praise you for the good color, just leave the pure energy to fill the universe.
2. Translation
This painting seems to be a plum blossom growing from the side of my inkstone washing pond. The blossoming plum blossoms seem to be traces of light ink left after washing the brush. There is no bright color, because it does not need others to praise its color. It only cares about filling the world with its light fragrance.
3. Creative background
This is a poem in which the author Wang Mian praises the plum blossoms he painted. The painting is "Ink Plum Blossom Picture", on paper, ink pen, 31.9cm in length and 50.9cm in width. Self-titled: "My family washes inkstones on the tree at the head of the pool, and all the flowers bloom with light ink marks. Don't let anyone praise the good color, just leave the pure air to fill the universe. Wang Mian Yuanzhang is a good work." "Yuanzhang", "Prince and Sun of Wen" . There are also poems written by Emperor Qianlong of the Qing Dynasty and a collection seal. In the picture, a branch of plum blossoms sprouts horizontally, with tall branches and sparse flowers. Use light ink to dye the petals, and then use thick ink to outline the calyx. The ink color is clear and moist, and the high emotion and interest overflows from the tip of the pen.
4. Introduction to the author
Wang Mian (1287-1359 AD) was a poet, writer, calligrapher and painter of the Yuan Dynasty. Zi Yuanzhang, nicknamed Zhuishishanong, a native of Zhuji, Shaoxing. Born in a peasant family, he lost his father when he was young. He is profoundly knowledgeable, capable of poetry, and has a youthful reputation. The painting of plum blossoms uses rouge as the skeleton of the plum blossoms, or the flowers are dense and the branches are numerous, which is unique in style. He is also good at painting bamboo and stone. Can also be used for engraving. He is the author of "Zhuzhai Collection", "Poems on Plum Blossom Pictures", etc. His poems often reveal his dissatisfaction with dark politics. At the end of the Yuan Dynasty, he lived in seclusion in Jiuli Mountain and made a living selling paintings. His paintings of plum blossoms with dense branches were full of business.