Artwork Page for Poem on Imperial Gift of an Embroidered Silk: Calligraphy in Running-Standard Script (xingkaishu)

Details / Information for Poem on Imperial Gift of an Embroidered Silk: Calligraphy in Running-Standard Script (xingkaishu)

Poem on Imperial Gift of an Embroidered Silk: Calligraphy in Running-Standard Script (xingkaishu)

行楷 書

c. 1525

Wen Zhengming 文徵明

(Chinese, 1470–1559)
Culture
China, Suzhou, Ming dynasty (1368-1644)
Medium
Hanging scroll; ink on paper
Measurements
calligraphy: 343.5 x 93.3 cm (135 1/4 x 36 3/4 in.); Overall with knobs: 446 x 125 cm (175 9/16 x 49 3/16 in.)
Credit Line
John L. Severance Fund 1998.169
Public Domain
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Location
Not on view
Print

Description

A poem by the influential Wen Zhengming from Suzhou in southeastern China expresses Wen’s gratitude to the Jiajing emperor (reigned 1522–67) for a gift of embroidered silk bestowed in appreciation of his commendable service. The elegant, well-composed, and energetically written large characters in deep black ink reflect the handwriting of a distinguished scholar-artist. Works of calligraphy by Wen of this large scale are rare.
The poem reads:

As I expressed my gratitude to His Majesty by the Goldwater Bridge.
This heavenly silk is embroidered with five colors.
Resplendent it is, draping over my arm with [designs of] twin dragons.
Having received such a gift, I [bowed] in shame over my lack of achievements.
Humbly I returned to my rank to observe the grand ceremony.
I wish His Majesty shall live on for myriad years,
And the sun will always shine upon His trailing robe.
Vertically long hanging scroll with four vertical rows of swooshing, black Chinese characters on grey-white paper (see "Inscription"). The characters in the row furthest to the left are slightly smaller than the rest and broken up into four sections, while the remaining three rows are continuous lines.

Poem on Imperial Gift of an Embroidered Silk: Calligraphy in Running-Standard Script (xingkaishu)

c. 1525

Wen Zhengming

(Chinese, 1470–1559)
China, Suzhou, Ming dynasty (1368-1644)

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