博
Artist: Zeng Xi (1861-1930)
Date: Qing (1644-1911)
Material: Ink on paper
Zeng Xi (1861-1930), also known by his zi (designated name) Jizi and hao (literary name) such as Nongran and Lulin, was a native of Hengyang, Hunan, who spent 15 years in Shanghai in his later years. A poet, calligrapher, and painter, he was celebrated alongside Li Ruiqing as "Zeng of the South, Li of the North". A senior figure of the Shanghai School, Zeng Xi was also the mentor of Zhang Daqian. Zeng's calligraphy, rooted in stele tradition, bridged northern and southern styles and combined the angular and round writing styles, earning wide popularity. This unique work assembles the menus he wrote for the banquets he hosted, featuring classic Shanghai dishes and reflecting his meticulous attention to cuisine. The guest list includes famous figures in Shanghai as Huang Binhong and Qian Shoutie, making this a rare calligraphic work that witnessed social exchange within the Shanghai School.
