Poem on Imperial Gift of an Embroidered Silk: Calligraphy in Running-Standard Script (xingkaishu)
Medium
Hanging scroll; ink on paper
Dimensions
446 × 113 cm · painting only: 343.5 × 93.5 cm
Classification
Calligraphy
Department
Chinese Art
Museum
Cleveland Museum of Art
Credit
John L. Severance Fund
Accession Number
1998.169
Tags
male
About this artwork
A poem by the influential Wen Zhengming from Suzhou in southeastern China expresses Wen’s gratitude to the Jiajing emperor (reigned 1522–67) for a gift of embroidered silk bestowed in appreciation of his commendable service. The elegant, well-composed, and energetically written large characters in deep black ink reflect the handwriting of a distinguished scholar-artist. Works of calligraphy by Wen of this large scale are rare. The poem reads: As I expressed my gratitude to His Majesty by the Gol...