Fragment of a Manuscript

Wang Zhideng

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

Like many talented men, Wang Zhideng failed to gain an official appointment but, after the death of Wen Zhengming (1470–1559), he became the most renowned poet of his time and presided over Suzhou literary circles for the last thirty years of his life. A respected calligrapher, this piece preserves the opening section of Wang's essay "Cave among Mountains and Waters," which describes the scripture study room of the Yunyin Monastery near Suzhou. Wang most likely composed this work at the request of the monastery's abbot or patrons, a common practice for literary and artistic luminaries. His refined and relaxed calligraphy, modeled after Wen Zhengming's running-standard script style, suitably complements the lighthearted tone of his prose.

Asian Art

An exhibit at Metropolitan Museum of Art

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.

Metropolitan Museum of Art