Poem on Imperial Gift of an Embroidered Silk: Calligraphy in Running-Standard Script (xingkaishu)
Wen Zhengming (Chinese, 1470–1559)
c. 1525
- Medium
- Hanging scroll; ink on paper
- Classification
- Calligraphy
- Dimensions
- 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.)
- Culture
- China, Suzhou, Ming dynasty (1368-1644)
- Museum
- Cleveland Museum of Art, Chinese Art
- Credit line
- John L. Severance Fund
- Rights
- Public domain (CC0), as the museum states it.
- Who can see it
- Tweens profiles and older: its subjects are known and suit older children. How works are placed
View at the Cleveland Museum of Art
About this work
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.
