Calligraphy of Du Fu’s Poetry in Cursive Script

Description

Wang Duo, a prominent Ming dynasty calligrapher, was known for his versatility. This handscroll exudes a sense of vitality and spontaneity, characterized by bold, powerful brushstrokes and a dynamic rhythm. In 1641, the Ming dynasty was on the brink of collapse upon countrywide uprisings. Wang Duo’s mother passed away, so Wang went back to his hometown in Huaiqing in Henan, to attend to the family. The scroll transcribed Du Fu’s poems and was dedicated to a close friend named Wang Han王漢 (d. 1643). Wang Han was at the time on official post in Henan Province. He made dedicated efforts to curb violent uprisings in the region. Wang Duo’s calligraphy compels viewers not only with the technical virtuosity of his strokes but also in his ability to infuse emotion and personality into each character.
____________________

Wang Duo
China, 1592–1652
Calligraphy of Du Fu’s Poetry
in Cursive Script
Ming dynasty (1368–1644)
1641
Handscroll, ink on silk satin
Gift of Jiu-Fong Lo Chang and
Kuei-sheng Chang, 2022/2.44

This handscroll exudes vitality and spontaneity due to Wang Duo’s bold,
powerful brushstrokes and their dynamic rhythm. In 1641, the Ming dynasty was on the brink of collapse following widespread uprisings. After Wang’s mother passed away, he returned to his hometown in Huaiqing (Henan province) to attend to the family. This scroll was dedicated to a close friend named Wang Han (d. 1643), an official in Henan who attempted to curb violent uprisings in the region. The calligraphy is characterized by the technical virtuosity of the strokes and Wang Duo’s ability to infuse emotion and personality into each character, resulting in an elegant fusion of dynamism and restraint. The rhythmic flow and structured grace of the brushstrokes effortlessly combine a deep reverence for tradition, and individualistic expression and innovation.

Winter 2024 Gallery Rotation