Four-Line Poem 1593 - 1661

"Four-Line Poem" is a hanging scroll by the Chinese artist Feiyin Tongrong, dating from the early 17th century. This calligraphic work, written in ink on paper, exemplifies the "cao shu" style of cursive script, known for its flowing, energetic strokes and abbreviated forms. The poem itself, visible in the image, is written in vertical columns, each line composing a single character. The scroll’s dimensions reflect the importance of verticality in Chinese art and writing, showcasing the visual impact of the calligraphic strokes and their arrangement. This piece is currently held at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.