Artist: Xu Guangqi (1562-1633)

Date: Dated 1621, Ming (1368-1644)

Material: Ink on paper

• Object Type：
  • CALLIGRAPHY
• Location：
  • The Painting and Calligraphy of Shanghai Gallery
• Tag：
  • letter peer running script album leaf xu guangqi 1621 ming ink paper

Xu Guangqi (1562-1633) devoted himself to knowledge from the West in the hope of ameliorating the situation of the late Ming dynasty. He studied astronomy, mathematics, and firearms with Matteo Ricci, co-translated the Elements of Geometry (Jihe Yuanben), and compiled the Chongzhen Calendar (Chongzhen Lishu). After Xu Guangqi's death, Chen Zilong published this work in Complete Book on Agriculture (Nongzheng Quanshu). This letter bears no recipient's name. It is believed to have been written in Tianjin in the first year (1621) of the Tianqi reign to a fellow official then serving at court. In the letter, Xu laments the disastrous military situation in Liaodong, expresses concern that firearms might fall into the enemy's hands. He also politely declines a summons to resume office, and entrusts a friend to expedite the issuance of a file from the emperor. The brushwork is flowing, brisk, and unadorned.