Zhou Shoulin

Zhou Shoulin
Personal Profile

 

Zhou Shoulin, born in 1954, Han ethnicity, member of the Communist Party of China, began his career in the military. His courtesy name is Tianhan, and he is also known by the studio names Hanchesai and Houshantang. He is a native of Xichuan County, Nanyang City, Henan Province. Passionate about calligraphy since childhood, he has practiced diligently for decades. His perseverance has borne fruit—he has repeatedly won major awards in domestic and international calligraphy exhibitions and competitions, earning high recognition from peers in the art world. Through decades of dedicated study, exchange, and refinement, he has forged a serene and transcendent path in the art of calligraphy.
In 2001, he participated in the “Provincial Industrial and Commercial System Calligraphy Competition” and won third prize.
In 2012, he participated in the “Provincial Industrial and Commercial System Calligraphy, Painting, and Photography Competition” and won second prize.
In 2013, his calligraphy works were collected by the Provincial People’s Congress Calligraphy, Painting, and Photography Research Institute and included in their published anthology.
In 2018, he participated in the “Silk Road Sentiments” International Calligraphy, Seal Carving, and Photography Exhibition, with his work specially invited for display.
In 2019, he participated in the “6th National Workers’ Calligraphy Exhibition,” receiving unanimous acclaim.
In 2019, he participated in activities such as the “Celebrating the 70th Anniversary of the Founding of the People’s Republic: Provincial Calligraphers Association Exhibition in Beijing.”
Zhou Shoulin’s works have been featured in multiple issues of “Friends of Veterans” with dedicated columns, and “Soul of Calligraphy and Painting” has also collected many of his pieces. His calligraphy is widely published across major media and self-media platforms, receiving consistent affirmation and praise from the calligraphy community.

Calligraphy conveys the Dao. He began by studying and copying classical stele inscriptions and masterpieces, exploring the styles of “Two Wangs,” Ouyang Xun, Liu Gongquan, Zheng Banqiao, and others. His works in running script, cursive script, and clerical script have repeatedly participated in provincial and national exhibitions and received high praise. He formerly served in the Henan Provincial Administration for Industry and Commerce.

【Wisdom】— Acute, understanding, enlightened, intelligent.
Though his family has lived in modest circumstances for generations, they have always placed great importance on scholarly cultivation and moral education; the sounds of diligent study and farming have never ceased in his home. Immersed since childhood in such a disciplined and scholarly family environment, he developed an inherently intelligent and perceptive disposition. His sharp intellect aided his calligraphy studies, while his long-term practice further refined his character. Beyond calligraphy, he is also proficient in string instruments, mastering the banhu, erhu, and jinghu. Even during his military service, he often stood out among peers; after transitioning to civilian life, he continued advancing in his career through exceptional artistic talent and wise temperament.
【Enlightenment】— From heart, from self, awakening.
Chinese calligraphy embodies the essence of traditional Chinese culture, encompassing the calligrapher’s life experiences, insights, and spiritual reflections—it has never been an isolated art form. In a sense, every calligrapher is simultaneously a scholar or thinker. Due to his high-ranking position, Mr. Zhou Shoulin frequently encountered external temptations. Yet throughout decades of calligraphy practice, he never ceased contemplating the meaning of life. As the saying goes, “In quiet meditation, truth and illusion become fully apparent.” Not only did he refuse to treat his position as a source of power while in office, but after retirement, he also declined honorary corporate titles. Choosing instead to follow his heart and true self, he wisely turned completely toward calligraphy, devoting himself to the inkstone and embarking on a pure and tranquil artistic path. He deeply studied ancient methods, blending imitation with creation—through enlightenment, he internalized the wisdom of past masters; through innovation, he honored their principles while transcending their boundaries.
【Resilience】— Soft yet firm.
The world of calligraphy is vast and boundless, filled with both hardship and joy. The path of calligraphy is one of austerity and solitude. Yet Mr. Zhou Shoulin, though possessing diverse interests, now devotes himself exclusively to calligraphy. There are no shortcuts on this path—only diligent study, persistent pursuit, and bold breakthroughs. He insists on practicing more than four hours daily, tirelessly cultivating his art at the inkstone. He maintains an authentic and sincere spirit, achieving enlightenment and success through steadfast diligence.

Heart and hand united, brush moving with edge, seal following ink trace, clarity within mind—calligraphy is spiritual cultivation. Mr. Zhou Shoulin’s path of cultivation will continue onward, extending ever farther into the distance!

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