by Wen Peng (1498-1573)
China, Ming dynasty, 16th century
Hanging scroll; ink on paper
Purchase–Regents’ Collections Acquisition Program
F1980.10
In addition to being the eldest son of the renowned artist Wen Zhengming (1470-1559) from Suzhou, Wen Peng is acclaimed for his works in seal and cursive script. Most of his calligraphy is small in scale, such as inscriptions on paintings or colophons on handscrolls. Examples of his large-size characters are rare. The wiry structures of characters, evenly applied ink, and fluid brush movements seen on this scroll are typical of cursive script and illustrate Wen’s mastery of media and form.