Tung Ch'i-ch'ang: Tu Fu's Poem "On Visiting the Temple of Lao-tz

Ming dynasty

Hanging scroll / ink on paper

Artwork : 181.0 x 46.0cm

Hanging scroll : 214.0 x 60.4cm

Tung Ch'i-ch'ang (1555-1638), highly reputed as a genius and prodigy since his childhood, was so passionate about calligraphy and painting that he was oblivious of eating and sleeping. He developed his own style in his middle years after awakening to the exquisite. His adroitness in the standard, semi-cursive and cursive styles of calligraphy stood unparalleled in his days. Although this work is a copy of Hsu Hao's transcription of Tu Fu's poetry, the keen thrusts of his brushstrokes overwhelm the viewer.