Bamboo & Orchids

1979
Chinese ink on paper
139 x 70 cm

篠耐霜寒
The Resilient Bamboo

Inscription by artist:
天寵墨池ㄖ未乾
闲怡小篠耐霜寒
可憐畢竟阿谁識
遑論任言屬简單

Grateful that my ink pot was never dry a day,
Cold bearing bamboo depicted in happy way.
Many are unaware of what bamboo represents,
It’s significance not as simple as one comprehends


1978
Chinese ink on paper
140 x 35cm

梅石蘭
The Trio of Plums, Orchid and Rock

Inscription by artist:
習多梅石不成規
此日蘭香開未遲
且親忙生無所好
秃毫奪髮白何時

Many times rock and plums in different ways painted,
Today not too late to have the orchid added.
Nother wish but to paint, my busy life settles,
Paint brush thinning, hair turning white on my temples.

Collection of National Art Museum of China


1981
Chinese ink on paper
141 x 35.5cm

蘭竹石友伴
Friendship

Inscription by artist:
天生獨鍥篁蘭枝
特性相同伴最宜
若與時情存色賽
丹青足道耑名為

The birth of bamboo and orchids, an endowment from nature
Having the same evergreen and cold resisting feature
Some people might think they were competing with each other
But jointly painted each repute and friendship strong as ever

1964
Chinese ink on paper
138 x 35cm

翠竹幽蘭
Green Bamboo and Gentle Orchids

Inscription by artist:
昔年尋勝到遥山
翠竹幽蘭具熟諳
正許今朝誰所譜
功修入妙更涂参
甲辰歲 冬十一月客星洲時畫
并录俚句補白 范昌乾 范氏 昌乾 两印章

Searched for scenic sites in distant lands years ago,
Familiar with where the bamboo and orchids grow.
Who knows when and how they were then planted.
Today reaching new heights their beauty depicted.

1981
Chinese ink on paper
137 x 68cm

老松三石
Rocks and Old Pine Tree

Inscription by artist:
石徑老松碧相映
撓霄深壤作梁堅
無難宮閣非將柱
居稼披茅蔽雨煙
辛酉歲春三月於茅齋窗下并綴以 俚句補白 范昌亁
園翁 昌乾 兩印章

From the stone path see through the pine
leaves blue sky beaming,
Such sturdy old pine tree is suitable for building .
With right material, building pavilion easier matter,
Though from rain or storm a thatch hut is enough for shelter.