The Four Accomplishments: Calligraphy
Ming dynasty (1368–1644), late 16th/early 17th century
Medium
Hanging scroll mounted on a panel; ink and colors on silk
Dimensions
136.5 × 99.1 cm (53 3/4 × 39 in.); With mounting: 253 × 114 cm (100 × 45 in.)
Classification
hanging scroll
Department
Arts of Asia
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
28426
Art Historical Context
This exquisite hanging scroll, *The Four Accomplishments:igraphy*, hails from China's Ming dynasty (1368–1644), the late 16th or early 17th century. Part the revered "Four Accomplishments" (si yi)—qin (music), qi (chess), shu (calligraphy), andua (painting)— celebrates calligraphy as a pinnacle of scholarly refinement. Inked and colored on luxurious silk and mounted on a panel, the work measures an impressive 136.5 × 99.1 cm, designed to unfurl dramatically for intimate viewing in a scholar's studio. During the Ming era, literati culture flourished, elevating calligraphy as a spiritual pursui...
About the Artist
Unknown
The artist designated as "Unknown" in our virtual museum's collection exemplifies a poignant chapter in art history: creators whose identities have faded into obscurity despite the enduring power of their work. With only one known artwork attributed to them in our holdings, this figure represents countless anonymous hands that shaped visual culture across centuries. Museums worldwide, including th...