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

- By: Wen Zhengming (Chinese, 1470–1559)
- Date: 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)
- Credit line: John L. Severance Fund
- Museum: [Cleveland Museum of Art](https://clevelandart.org/art/1998.169)
- Rights: [Public domain (CC0)](https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/)
- Picture: https://openaccess-cdn.clevelandart.org/1998.169/1998.169_web.jpg
- Who can see it: Tweens profiles and older (museums give no ratings; placed by Invisible Network from the museum's own words)

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.