Eternal Life · An Inscription on a Han Dynasty Tile (“長生無極”漢瓦儅及題記)

This work by Zhang Changjiu features the seal script inscription “Chang Sheng Wu Ji” ("Longevity Without Limit"), accompanied by a rubbing of a Han dynasty eave tile bearing the same phrase. The composition is balanced, integrating calligraphy, seal, and image in harmony. The seal script is full and rounded, with flowing brushstrokes that reflect both Qin-Han era aesthetics and the artist’s personal style, lending the piece a classical and dignified air. The tile rubbing on the right echoes the theme, reinforcing the historical depth and visual interest. The inscription describes the tile’s origin from the northern slope of Mount Hua, near the ruins of Han-era Huayin city, highlighting its cultural significance. The appended verse—"In peaceful times and bountiful years, with skilled artisans and farmers, may there be endless life, joy, and prosperity"—extends the work’s poetic spirit, expressing a wish for enduring harmony and wellbeing. Overall, the piece blends literature, history, and art, serving as both a tribute to Han culture and a modern reinterpretation.