Poem in Cursive Script 1612 - 1635

Dong Qichang created this hanging scroll, Poem in Cursive Script, using ink on paper, sometime in the late Ming Dynasty. The work gives us insight into the world of the Chinese literati and the cultural values of the time. Calligraphy in China wasn't just about writing; it was a high art form, a way to express personal cultivation and taste. The cursive script seen here would have been admired for its spontaneity and expressiveness. Dong Qichang was not only a calligrapher but also an art theorist. He advocated for the "literati painting" style, which valued personal expression and amateurism over mere technical skill, subtly critiquing the formal artistic institutions of the time. To truly understand this work, we can delve into texts on Chinese art theory, biographies of the artist, and social histories of the Ming Dynasty. By understanding the social and institutional context, we gain a deeper appreciation for its meaning and significance.