Artist: Shen Liao (1032-1085)

Date: Northern Song (960-1127)

Dimensions: Height 27.1 cm, Width 36.6 cm

Material: Ink on paper

• Object Type：
  • CALLIGRAPHY
• Location：
  • The Painting and Calligraphy of Shanghai Gallery
• Tag：
  • dongzhi tie running script album leaf shen liao northern song ink paper

Shen Liao (1032-1085), also known by his zi (designated name) Ruida, was a native of Qiantang (in present-day Hangzhou, Zhejiang province) who was in charge of Huating (in present-day Shanghai). Younger brother of Shen Gou and cousin to Shen Kuo (author of Dream Pool Essays), this accomplished poet gained appreciation of Wang Anshi in his early years. After he was exiled, he often corresponded with Zeng Gong, Su Shi, and Huang Tingjian. He was adept in calligraphy and devoted to classical techniques and principles. This letter inquires the health of his friend. He wrote with an elegant and brisk style, capturing the spirit of Jin and Tang calligraphy. The calligrapher used a kind of rare and elegant letter paper with subtle water-wave pattern.

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