Calligraphy after ancient masters
Returned to lender
This work of art was on loan to the museum and has since been returned to its lender.明 董其昌 行書臨古帖 卷 紙本
This handscroll has five distinct pieces of writing, each in the manner of a different old master. Studying the past plays a central role in Chinese calligraphy and even as one develops a personal style, it is necessary to revisit the old masters to discover new insights. By the time he wrote these passages—the first two around 1595 and the remaining three around 1600—Dong Qichang had developed a unique style, and the work shows both his individual voice and his knowledge of calligraphic tradition.
This handscroll has five distinct pieces of writing, each in the manner of a different old master. Studying the past plays a central role in Chinese calligraphy and even as one develops a personal style, it is necessary to revisit the old masters to discover new insights. By the time he wrote these passages—the first two around 1595 and the remaining three around 1600—Dong Qichang had developed a unique style, and the work shows both his individual voice and his knowledge of calligraphic tradition.
Artwork Details
- 明 董其昌 行書臨古帖 卷 紙本
- Title: Calligraphy after ancient masters
- Calligrapher: Dong Qichang (Chinese, 1555–1636)
- Period: Ming dynasty (1368–1644)
- Date: ca. 1595 and 1600
- Culture: China
- Medium: Handscroll; ink on paper
- Dimensions: Image: 13 3/8 × 87 3/8 in. (34 × 221.9 cm)
Overall with mounting: 13 3/4 × 99 1/2 in. (34.9 × 252.7 cm) - Classification: Calligraphy
- Credit Line: Lent by Guanyuan Shanzhuang Collection
- Curatorial Department: Asian Art