Letter to the artist’s father-in-law, Wu Yu

Letter to the artist’s father-in-law, Wu Yu

Wen Zhengming

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

In the mid-sixteenth century, Wen Zhengming dominated the cultural life of Suzhou with his significant talents in poetry, painting, and calligraphy. This letter shows a different side of Wen, when he was young and his star was still on the rise. Writing in his mid-thirties to his father-in-law, he assumes the tone not of a leading cultural figure but a deferential and respectful junior. The fancy stationery with plum blossom design is another sign that Wen wanted his letter to make a good impression.

Asian Art

An exhibit at Metropolitan Museum of Art

Letter to the artist’s father-in-law, Wu YuLetter to the artist’s father-in-law, Wu YuLetter to the artist’s father-in-law, Wu YuLetter to the artist’s father-in-law, Wu YuLetter to the artist’s father-in-law, Wu Yu

The Met's collection of Asian art—more than 35,000 objects, ranging in date from the third millennium B.C. to the twenty-first century—is one of the largest and most comprehensive in the world. Each of the many civilizations of Asia is represented by outstanding works, providing an unrivaled experience of the artistic traditions of nearly half the world.