Details
XU WEI (1521-1593)

FLOWERS AND POEM IN RUNNING SCRIPT CALLIGRAPHY

Handscroll, ink on paper
30 x 519 cm. (11 3/4 x 201 1/4 in.)
Frontispiece by the artist and signed: Tian Chi Xu Wei
Four seals of the artist on the painting: Wen Chang, Tian Chi Shan Ren, Qing Teng Dao Shi, Tian Chi Di Bi
Poem in running script calligraphy following the painting and signed: Jin Lei Dao Ren, with three seals of the artist: Qing Teng dao Shi, Xiao Xiang Zhai, Tian Chi Di Bi
Colophon by Zhu Dashou (1523-1573), with three seals
Thirteen collectors' seals, including:
Meng Quan Wai Shi (twice) (Xi Gang, 1746-1803); Wang Li Zhi Jian Shu Zhen Cang Yin Xin (twice); Lu Shi Jiang Shang (twice); Lu Shi Bao Jian (twice); Mao Qi Ling Yin (twice) (Mao Qiling, 1622-1716); Qi Shi Zhai Jian ; Shao Bai; and one illegible seal

Lot Essay

(US$64,500-77,400)

Notes:
1. The poem inscribed by Xu Wei following the painting is quoted in the following publications:
- Xu Wei Ji, Beijing Zhonghua Shuju, 2nd Edition, 1999, Vol. 4, p.1307
- Ding Jiatong: Xu Wen Chang Zhuan, Shanghai Renmin Chubanshe, 1999, p.289

2. Zhu Dashou was a close fried of Xu Wei and were classmates when they were young. Zhu came first in the official examination held in the thirty-fifth year of the Jiajing era (1556) and had a very successful career in government, editing the Yongle Dadian, and ending his career as Official of Rites (Libu Shilang). Both Zhu and Xu were highly praised for their literary talents and included as the 'Ten Talents of Yue' (Yue Zhong Shi Zi). Xu in later life was engaged by Li Chunfang, Grand Official of the Bureau of Rite. Differences soon arose between Li and Xu and the many disagreements with Li made life very difficult for Xu, who by then wanted to resign. It was because of his close friendship with Zhu, and with Zhu's help, that Xu was released from his engagement by Li and did not suffer imprisonment or a worse fate. (see Ding Jiatong, ibid. at pp. 132-133).

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