Artist: Du Mu (1459-1525)

Date: Ming (1368-1644)

Dimensions: Height 23.5 cm, Width 19.5 cm

Material: Ink on paper

• Object Type：
  • CALLIGRAPHY
• Location：
  • The Painting and Calligraphy of Shanghai Gallery
• Tag：
  • letter running script album leaf du mu ming ink paper

Du Mu (1459-1525), also known by his zi (designated name) Xuanjing and commonly known as Nanhao Xiansheng, was a native of Wu county (in present-day Suzhou, Jiangsu province). He became a jinshi (a successful candidate of the palace examination) in the 12^th year (1499) of the Hongzhi reign and served in the Ministry of Rites before retiring as a seventh ranking official in Taipusi. Du compiled Lianchuan Tuji (Illustrated Records of Lianchuan), the earliest local chronicle of Jiading (in present-day Shanghai). This letter, addressed to the bibliophile Zhu Cunli, documents Du's request to borrow Zhu's Jiading Zhi Gao (Draft Chronicle of Jiading). It was likely the reference material for his Lianchuan Tuji project.

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