Pan Zuyin

Pan Zuyin (潘祖蔭, 1830 – 1890), courtesy name Wuyun (午雲), was a prominent Qing dynasty official, scholar, and calligrapher. He hailed from Wu County (吳縣, present-day Suzhou, Jiangsu province).

Pan Zuyin achieved the highest degree (Jinshi) in the imperial examination system in 1852. He subsequently held various important positions within the Qing bureaucracy, including roles within the Hanlin Academy, as a tutor to the emperor, and as a high-ranking censor. He was known for his integrity and dedication to his duties.

Beyond his official career, Pan Zuyin was a renowned scholar, particularly of epigraphy and bronze inscriptions. He amassed a significant private collection of ancient bronze artifacts, which he meticulously studied and cataloged. His research contributed significantly to the understanding of ancient Chinese history and culture. His most famous work is the Pan Family Collection of Bronze Mirrors (潘氏藏鏡).

His calligraphy was highly regarded, and he followed the style of Zhao Mengfu. He is considered one of the notable calligraphers of the late Qing period. His writings and commentaries are still studied by scholars today.