Letter to Liang Zhongren

Ming dynasty (1368–1644)

Not on view

Shen Du was one of Song Ke's (1327–1387) most important followers. He is best known for his precise regular script in the manner of Zhao Mengfu (1254–1322), whose style he helped to establish as the orthodox model for Ming government documents and even printed books. His more informal writing also follows Zhao's style; in both cases, however, Shen's calligraphy shows fewer variations and nuances of brush movement.

This letter was once part of Emperor Qianlong's (r. 1736–95) collection. Preserved in rubbing form in the Sanxitang imperial anthology of 1747, such informal writings are valued by connoisseurs as intimate expressions of artists' personalities.

Artwork Details

明沈度行書致鏞翁札冊頁
Title: Letter to Liang Zhongren
Artist: Shen Du (Chinese, 1357–1434)
Period: Ming dynasty (1368–1644)
Culture: China
Medium: Album leaf; ink on paper
Dimensions: Image: 10 1/4 x 13 1/4 in. (26 x 33.7 cm)
Classification: Calligraphy
Credit Line: Bequest of John M. Crawford Jr., 1988
Object Number: 1989.363.41
Curatorial Department: Asian Art

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