Flowers and Calligraphy (Hua niao za hua ce 花鳥雜畫冊),

1737

In 1737, after a traumatic false imprisonment—he was caught up in the serious bribery and corruption charges levelled at his mentor and patron—Gao Fenghan became ill and lost the use of his right arm. With great determination, he rallied and began to paint and write with his left hand. Although he regained partial use of his right arm two years later, Gao continued to write and paint mainly with his left arm, favoring the spontaneity and awkwardness that yielded a highly animated, individual style. This album was made for Gao’s nephew and the inscription on the first two leaves reads: Ink Villa I have been unable to attain a high position, and recently my arm has become disabled, so I have nothing I can leave to you. Here, I just give you some of my work. Nephew Xie, keep it; in the future, when your empty stomach growls, take out this album and look at it. I wonder whether this can fill you. Ha! ha! [Signed] Fu lao ren, recorded with my left hand.