Poem Written on Imperial Order
Shen Ts'an, Ming Dynasty

Reflections and Innovations of the Brush:
Select Gems of Ming Dynasty Calligraphy (1368-1644)
Galleries 204, 206
2001/04/01 - 2001/06/25

The development of calligraphy during the Ming dynasty can be roughly divided into three phases.  The early period saw the continued stylistic importance of archaism and the classical calligraphy of Chao Meng-fu (1254-1322).  Critical focus was placed on precision and elegance, while individualism was de-emphasized.  The Chiang-nan region rose to prominence in the middle period, with calligraphers drawing upon the works of Northern Sung literati, and creating individual styles through the combination of poetic and calligraphic forms.  In the later period, trends in artistic and cultural though tended toward personal liberation and innovation.  The present exhibition features a selection of eighteen representative works drawn from these three periods, which together express the diversity of form, content, and style that is the hallmark of Ming calligraphy.