Ode on a Wanli-era Imperial Brush / Shitao (Shih-t'ao)

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Record Details

Accession Number
1965/2.75
Title
Ode on a Wanli-era Imperial Brush
Artist Nationality
Chinese
Artist Life Dates
1642-1707
Medium and Support
ink on paper
Object Creation Date
1705
Object Creation Place
Asia (continent)
China (nation)
Creation Place 1
Asia (continent)
Creation Place 2
China (nation)
Inscription
Dated: Summer, 1705; Signed and seals at lower left. The porcelain-handled brush called "Easing the Heat", dates from the time of Wan-li. So often [I] have thought longingly of the hand that supported P'eng-lai. Although the realm has been transformed into merely a dream, [I still] cherish my homeland now in ashes. Moved profoundly, unable to speak, I hesitate over every word I write. Yi-you year [1705], early summer, in thanks to my old friend, the honorable Master Chueh-kung [who gave me] my ancestor Emperor Shen-tsung's own brush. Looking at this gift, holding it and treasuring it, I cannot bear to loosen it from my hand. [So I] write this in extreme gratitude. Ching-hsiang Ta-ti-tzu, Chi
Dimensions
109.2 cm x 39 cm (43 in. x 15 3/8 in.)
Century
18th century
Primary Object Classification
Painting
Primary Object Type
hanging scroll
Secondary Object Classification
Painting
Secondary Object Type
calligraphy
Physical Description
Calligraphy of a poem written in running script and including three artist's seals and the artist's signature.
Subject Matter
The poem is an expression of deep gratitude toward a Buddhist abbot who had presented him with a valuable old brush with a porcelain handle.
The text of Shitao’s calligraphy may be loosely rendered as:
This “Easing-heat” brush with a porcelain handle originated in the Wanli era (1573–1620).
It experienced many profound affinities when wielded by the [imperial] forearm.
[My] dream of nationhood has dissolved away, [yet I still] cherish the ashes of my hometown.
Profoundly moved and beyond speech, [I] hesitate and ponder over every word [I inscribe].
In the early summer of 1705, [I felt] grateful to the venerable Master Juegong, who bestowed upon me a brush belonging to my late ancestor Emperor Shenzong. Examining it over and over, I could not bear to let it leave my hands. So I executed this calligraphy [for the master] with utmost appreciation.
Rights
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Technical Details

Image Size
495 x 1395
File Size
80 KB
Record
1965/2.75
Link to this Item
https://quod.lib.umich.edu/m/musart/x-1965-sl-2.75/1965_2.75.jpg

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Manifest
https://quod.lib.umich.edu/cgi/i/image/api/manifest/musart:1965-SL-2.75:1965_2.75.JPG

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Full citation
"Ode on a Wanli-era Imperial Brush; Shitao (Shih-t'ao)." In the digital collection University of Michigan Museum of Art. https://quod.lib.umich.edu/m/musart/x-1965-sl-2.75/1965_2.75.jpg. University of Michigan Library Digital Collections. Accessed March 28, 2024.
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