Zheng Xiaoxu, Seven-character Couplet in Xingshu

Zheng Xiaoxu (1860, 1938) was a prominent Chinese statesman, poet, and calligrapher of the late Qing dynasty and Republican era, renowned for his mastery of regular and running script calligraphy. He served as the last Prime Minister of the Qing court and later became the first Prime Minister of Manchukuo, though his political legacy remains deeply controversial. His calligraphic works, particularly seven-character couplets in xingshu (running script), are highly prized in Chinese art auctions for their elegant, refined brushwork rooted in classical traditions.