Narcissus (水仙花)

This artwork employs the freehand ink technique to depict daffodils, complemented by verses from the Tang poet Du Fu, achieving a harmonious blend of poetry and painting with profound meaning. On the right side of the painting, a few daffodil stems are outlined with concise and fluid brushstrokes. The petals are delicate and beautiful, while the stamens are highlighted in bold ink, exuding elegance and vitality. The leaves stretch gracefully, with brushstrokes varying in intensity, showcasing the daffodils’ qualities of resilience, purity, and unworldly charm. The generous use of negative space further accentuates the daffodils’ pristine beauty and subtle fragrance. In the upper left corner, the painting features Du Fu’s lines: *"February fades into March; how many more springs can we meet as we age? Do not worry about endless matters beyond your reach; simply savor the limited wine of life."* These words, written by the poet in his later years, reflect his lament over life’s impermanence and his advice to seize the moment and enjoy life. Paired with the depiction of daffodils—often referred to as the “Fairy of the Waves,” symbolizing purity and solitude—the piece conveys layered meanings. It merges the transcendence of worldly concerns with an active embrace of life, creating a dual sense of detachment and vitality, rich in philosophical and artistic resonance. Overall, this work is a masterpiece of both calligraphy and painting. The brushwork is refined, and the poetic sentiment is profound, reflecting the artist’s deep literary cultivation and mastery of artistic skills. It also conveys a heartfelt understanding of life’s rhythm and the spiritual solace found within it.