Pan Shou (1911 – 1999)

Image taken from

http://www.nus.edu.sg/museums/pan.htm

Pan Shou, Singapore's pre-eminent Chinese classical poet and calligrapher, was born in Fujian, China in 1911. 

When he arrived in Singapore at the age of 19, Pan Shou had already received rigorous training in both the Chinese classics and the brush. Over the years, he became a prolific artist as well as, an avid observer and critic of contemporary culture and society. Through an extensive repertoire of poetry and calligraphic works, Pan Shou made significant contributions to Singapore’s cultural and literary landscape.

Pan Shou’s Literary Works

The themes adopted by Pan Shou in his literary works were wide and diverse, ranging from the Japanese Occupation in Singapore to the impact of information technology on society.  His works exuded a profound understanding of Chinese literature and history, and reflected his feel of current issues and contemporary affairs.

Pan Shou was also an accomplished poet.  Some 600 of his poems have been published in a four-volume collection called "Pavilion Beyond The Ocean" (1970) and in the "Pan Shou Nanyuan Poetry Collection" (1984).  His latest offering "An Anthology of Poems", was launched shortly before his death. 

Pan’s Calligrahic Prowess

Throughout his life, Pan Shou studied and practised the archaic scripts of the Qin, Han and Wei dynasties.  His unique, personal style evolved from his mastery of the ancient scripts, making him the most celebrated calligrapher in Singapore. 

Pan Shou often infused his calligraphic works with poetry.  His poems would flow effortlessly through his brush onto rice paper, adding a further touch of originality to his works.

For his outstanding achievements in calligraphy and poetry, scholar, philosopher and gentleman Pan Shou was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal in 1994 by the Singapore government.

Sources:      

Selected Poems of Pan Shou (with Modern Chinese and English Translations)

http://eshop.asia1.com/stoppress/panshou/

http://panshou.krdl.org.sg/artist.html

http://panshou.krdl.org.sg/internet.html