Poem on a Spring Pool 1514 - 1587

Editor: Here we have “Poem on a Spring Pool” made with ink on paper by Hai Rui sometime between 1514 and 1587. It's part of the Asian Art collection here at the Met. It strikes me as being very elegant, almost like a dance across the page. What’s your initial reaction to this artwork? Curator: A dance, yes, precisely! I see it as a conversation, really – between ink and paper, between the artist and the poem's sentiments. Hai Rui was known for his upright character and outspokenness. Doesn't the stark black ink on the blank paper shout a kind of refusal to compromise? It isn't timid, is it? Editor: Absolutely, there is an expressive quality to it. The lines vary from thick to thin in such unexpected ways. It’s so dramatic! Does the poem itself add another layer of understanding to that dramatic contrast? Curator: Undoubtedly. The poem and calligraphy aren't separate but echo each other, amplifying the theme. And, speaking of dramatic contrast, what do you think of the visual weight being primarily at the top and gradually thinning toward the bottom? Almost as if the poem’s emotions are being released…dissipating gently… Editor: I like the way you are seeing dissipation towards the bottom. It feels very intentional. So, this isn’t *just* decorative calligraphy; it’s an expression of his personality, his feelings, visualized through poetry and brushstrokes? Curator: Exactly! It's a record of his soul. He transformed this visual representation of text into pure art. That’s the enduring appeal, don't you think? Editor: I totally agree. It makes me want to delve deeper into the other calligraphic works we have in our collection. Thank you for sharing this with me. Curator: My pleasure. Keep exploring and keep that dance in your heart!