明 恭候大駕還自南郊詩 軸|Awaiting the Emperor's Return from the Southern Suburbs
Medium
Hanging scroll; ink on paper
Dimensions
Overall: 136 x 39 1/4 in. (345.4 x 99.7 cm) Overall with rollers: 40 3/4 in. (103.5 cm)
Classification
Calligraphy
Culture & Period
China · Ming dynasty (1368–1644)
Department
Asian Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Anonymous Gift, 1950
Accession Number
50.230
About this artwork
"明 恭候大駕還自南郊詩 軸|Awaiting the Emperor's Return from the Southern Suburbs" by Wen Zhengming, created in 1470–1559, is executed in hanging scroll; ink on paper. This calligraphy belongs to the Metropolitan Museum's Asian Art collection. The work measures overall: 136 x 39 1/4 in. (345.4 x 99.7 cm) overall with rollers: 40 3/4 in. (103.5 cm). It originates from China, Ming dynasty (1368–1644). The artwork entered the museum's collection through anonymous gift, 1950.
Art Historical Context
Wen Zhengming (1470–1559), one of the most celebrated masters of the Ming dynasty's School, created this exquisite hanging scroll calligraphy titled *Awaiting the Emperor's Return from the Southern Suburbs Rendered in ink on paper, the monumental work measures an impressive 136 x ¼ inches (345.4 x 99.7 cm), designed to unroll dramatically for display in a scholar's studio or elite gathering space. As a prime example of literati art, it showcases Wen's profound skill in blending poetry, calligraphy, and imperial reverence. The title refers to a poem honoring the emperor's return from rituals a...
About the Artist
Wen Zhengming · 1470–1559
Wen Zhengming (1470–1559), born in Suzhou to a modestly successful scholar-official family, embodied the ideal of the Ming dynasty literati artist. His father, Wen Lin, introduced him early to a leading Suzhou calligrapher, fostering his foundational skills in that art. A late bloomer, Wen studied under the master Shen Zhou, whose guidance shaped his profound reverence for Song and Yuan dynasty ar...