Artist: Zhang Bi (1425-1487)

Date: Ming (1368-1644)

Dimensions: Height 28.3 cm, Width 141.5 cm

Material: Ink on paper

• Object Type：
  • CALLIGRAPHY
• Location：
  • The Painting and Calligraphy of Shanghai Gallery
• Tag：
  • essay cottage cursive script handscroll zhang bi ming ink paper

Zhang Bi (1425-1487), also known by his zi (designated name) Rubi and hao (literary name) Donghai, was a native of Huating (in present-day Fengxian, Shanghai). He was adept in cursive script that got inspiration from Huaisu's unrestrained and dynamic style. This handscroll was commissioned by his nephew Yu Huan. The text recounts the difficulties of farming in the salt-laden coastal lands of the Eastern Wu region, praising his brother-in-law Yu Nanjin who shifted from his scholarly pursuits to farming. The introduction at the beginning of the scroll written in regular script was done by eight-year-old Zhang Huan from Yueqing.

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