Artist: Wu Ne (1372-1457), Li Jin, and Zou Liang

Date: Ming (1368-1644)

Dimensions: Height 23.9 cm, Width 93.0 cm

Material: Ink on paper

• Object Type：
  • CALLIGRAPHY
• Location：
  • The Painting and Calligraphy of Shanghai Gallery
• Tag：
  • record running script regular script handscroll wu ne li jin zou liang ming ink paper

This scroll compiles three pieces of writing: Record of the Xilao Hall by Wu Ne (1372-1457) of Changshu, Inscription on the Xilao Hall with Preface by Li Jin of Linchuan, and Verse on the Xilao Hall by Zou Liang of Suzhou. Together, they recount the story of Shen Can and his nephew Shen Zao of Huating (in present-day Shanghai). Shen Can and Shen Zao followed the example of the "Two Shus" of the Han dynasty who resigned from office and retired, built the Xilao Hall upon their return home. The name "Xilao" means that scholar-officials retire with honor from the emperor. Although the three pieces were written by different calligraphers, their styles all approximate the taige script (a script favored by the palace), fully demonstrating the influence of the taige script represented by Shen Du and Shen Can in the early Ming calligraphic circles.

【Special Exhibition】 An Everlasting Spring: The Art of Painting and Calligraphy in Shanghai