Awaiting the Emperor's Return from the Southern Suburbs 1470 - 1559

"Awaiting the Emperor's Return from the Southern Suburbs" is a hanging scroll by the renowned Chinese artist Wen Zhengming (1470-1559). This work, housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, showcases Wen's mastery of calligraphy, a highly respected art form in China. The scroll features a vertical arrangement of elegant Chinese characters, expertly rendered in black ink on a white background. This piece exemplifies Wen's distinctive calligraphic style, characterized by a balance between precision and fluidity. The text of the scroll is a poem, offering insight into the artist's personal reflections and the values of his time.