Letter to Chen Jiru (1558-1635) 1555 - 1636

"Letter to Chen Jiru (1558-1635)" is a calligraphic work by the influential Chinese painter and theorist Dong Qichang (1555-1636). This small-scale work, housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, displays Dong's mastery of the "literati style" of calligraphy, characterized by its elegant, flowing strokes and emphasis on personal expression. The piece is a letter to Chen Jiru, another prominent scholar and artist of the time, showcasing the intellectual and artistic exchange among elite figures of the Ming dynasty.