Ni Yuan-lu: Poem in Running Script

Ming dynasty

Hanging scroll / ink on paper

Artwork : 130.2 x 60.4cm

Hanging scroll : 200.0 x 72.4cm

Ni Yuan-lu (1592-1644) was a loyalist who died for the Ming dynasty upon its fall. Both his calligraphy and painting are praised for their archaic and refined dignity. He composed this poem insinuating unjust exploitation by a eunuch that he had witnessed when he had gone to Shantung. Ni leaves ample space between the lines and writes his calligraphy in powerful and tense brushstrokes. The contrast of his use of the wet and dry brush is superb. ( Collection of the Shanghai Museum )