Time Is Precious

Ǒu Chéng is written 偶成. Ǒu suggests something arising by chance
or in passing; Chéng means to compose or make. “Written on a Passing
Thought” is an interpretive English title, not a word-for-word translation.

Traditionally attributed to the Song dynasty scholar Zhu Xi, the poem
reflects on the brevity of youth, the slow work of learning, and the
quiet speed with which time moves:

Youth fades quickly; learning comes slowly.
Not even an inch of time should be taken lightly.
Before the dream of spring grass by the pond has passed,
autumn is already sounding through the leaves before the steps.

Through its movement from spring to autumn, the poem makes passing
time almost visible. Its reminder is simple: value the present, and
give attention to what is worth learning while the time is still yours.

Your purchase includes three high-resolution JPG files in sRGB, prepared at 300 PPI for the listed print sizes.

• Original artwork — 5:18 — no added digital border; for custom sizes up to 6.7 × 24 in
• Traditional scroll — 1:3 — for custom tall sizes up to 8 × 24 in
• Gallery-mounted print — 2:3 — for 8 × 12, 12 × 18, and 16 × 24 in

The ORIGINAL ARTWORK file preserves the paper-based calligraphy without added digital borders. The TRADITIONAL SCROLL file is intended for a custom tall print or frame. The GALLERY 2:3 file places the complete scroll within an intentional warm ivory presentation field for a more balanced result in common portrait frames.

For printing, choose the file that best matches your intended display. In the print preview, select Fit, Fit to page, or Center, and turn off automatic cropping or fill where possible.

For the closest result to the original artwork, we recommend matte fine-art paper, cotton rag, or heavyweight archival paper.

The artwork originates from real brush and ink on Xuan paper. Subtle paper texture, fibers, tonal variation, or traces of age visible in the image may be characteristics of the original handmade work rather than printing defects.

The files may also be uploaded to a professional printing or personalization service to create items for your own personal use.

No physical print or frame is included. Printed colors may vary slightly depending on the screen, printer, material, and paper.

For personal, non-commercial use only.
You may print the artwork for your own space, give a finished physical item as a personal gift, or upload the files to a professional printing or personalization service solely to produce items for your own personal use.
You may share photographs of the finished artwork or personalized item in your own space or personal social media.
The digital artwork files themselves may not be posted, shared, resold, redistributed, sublicensed, or made available for download. Physical products made using the artwork may not be sold or commercially distributed.
Commercial use, resale, or use in products intended for sale requires separate written permission from Bokwai.

Each Bokwai work begins with real brush, ink, and Xuan paper. The paper is selected for its response to brush and ink, and some sheets may come from studio stock kept for years before use.
Natural fibers, subtle tonal variation, faint flecks, or traces of age may remain where they do not disturb the work. These are part of the material character of real paper, not digitally generated texture.
The original is carefully prepared as a digital artwork while preserving its brushwork, paper tone, seals, and material character. Digital tools are used for cleanup and presentation, never to replace the handwritten source.