Artist: Dong Qichang (1555-1636)

Date: Ming (1368-1644)

Material: Ink on silk

• Object Type：
  • CALLIGRAPHY
• Location：
  • Chinese Calligraphy Gallery
• Tag：
  • cursive script handscroll dong qichang ming ink silk

Dong Qichang (1555-1636), a native of Huating (present-day Songjiang, Shanghai), is also known by his zi (designated name) Xuanzai and hao (literary name) Xiangguang Jushi. A jinshi (a successful candidate in the imperial examination) in the 17^th year (1589) of the Wanli reign, he was the Minister of Rites in Nanjing. He obtained the honorary posthumous name Wenmin. Skilled in calligraphy, Dong was adept in regular, running and cursive scripts. He was also a connoisseur in authenticating painting and calligraphy. This handscroll transcribes Li Qi's poem Fang Ge Xing: Responding to My Cousin Moqing among other literary works. The brushwork exhibits an uninterrupted flow of energy between characters. The writer seemed to hold the brush loosely when writing. The work echoes Huaisu's firm and thin brushstrokes with round and cohesive style.