明 文徵明、王守、王穀祥 行書、楷書詩 扇面|Three Poems

Art Historical Context

This exquisite folding fan, now mounted as an album leaf, showcases the collaborative genius of three Ming dynasty masters: Wen Zhengming, Shou, and Wang Guxiang. Titled *Three Poems*, it features calligraphy in running script (xingshu) and standard (kaishu), rendered in ink on shimmering gold-flecked paper Measuring just 6⅜ × 20¼ inches, its compact form originally suited the intimate, portable nature of fans—everyday objects transformed into treasures by literati artists during China's Ming period (1368–1644). Wen Zhengming, a leading figure of the Wu School, was renowned for his refined, poetic brushwork that blended painting and calligraphy, while Wang Shou and Wang Guxiang complemented him with their own masterful styles. The mix of fluid, expressive running script and the precise, upright standard script highlights the versatility of Chinese calligraphy, where each stroke conveys rhythm, emotion, and scholarly virtue. Such joint works symbolized deep friendships among elites, who often exchanged inscribed fans as gifts. In Ming culture, calligraphy on fans bridged art and poetry, capturing philosophical musings amid the era's flourishing literati tradition. Donated to the Metropolitan Museum of Art through the bequest of John M. Crawford Jr. in 1988, this piece invites us to appreciate how everyday luxuries became enduring emblems of refinement and harmony.

About the Artist

Wang Shou|Wang Guxiang|Wen Zhengming (Chinese|Chinese|Chinese) · 1400 |1501 |1470 –1449 |1568 |1559

Chinese, active first half of the 15th century|Chinese, 1501–1568|Chinese, 1470–1559