Yuan Dynasty (14th Century) Zhao Mengfu, Calligraphy Handscroll in Running Script on Paper with Frontispiece “Masterful Spirit Through Natural Expression” and Colophon by Wang Zhideng

拍品描述

Dimensions: Length 336 cm × Width 30 cm (approx. 132.3 × 11.8 inches; approx. 11.0 × 1.0 feet), 14th Century，Condition and Provenance: Original antique mounting. The paper shows natural aging characteristics including warm yellow-brown patina, old water stains, and creases from long-term handling and viewing. The calligraphy remains clear, with well-preserved collector seals and no major losses. Overall in fine traditional condition. Provenance: Private Collection, New York, USA.Description: This work is a calligraphy handscroll by Zhao Mengfu, one of the greatest masters of Yuan dynasty calligraphy. Executed in running script on paper, the handscroll follows the traditional Chinese mounting format, consisting of a frontispiece, main calligraphy section, and later colophon, preserved in its original silk mounting. The frontispiece features the inscription “信手通神” (“Spontaneously Achieving Divine Expression”) in elegant running script, signed by Wang Gong with an accompanying red seal. The aged paper displays natural water marks and warm patina, reflecting its long historical passage. The main section presents Zhao Mengfu’s running-script poetry, written continuously across aged paper with visible folding marks from centuries of preservation. Following the tradition of the Two Wang masters of the Jin dynasty, Zhao’s brushwork demonstrates smooth movement, refined structure, balanced composition, and a graceful yet powerful rhythm characteristic of his mature style. Multiple historical collector seals are distributed throughout the scroll, recording its long transmission history. The final section contains a later colophon with the large inscription “A Master of Painting Tradition,” signed by Wang Zhideng, accompanied by additional calligraphic notes and seals praising Zhao Mengfu’s artistic achievement. The handscroll is composed entirely of paper sections with traditional antique mounting, including a blue patterned silk wrapper and borders. The complete structure follows the classic format of frontispiece → main calligraphy → colophon. The work reflects the influence of Jin and Tang dynasty calligraphy, combining refined brush control, elegant movement, and scholarly atmosphere. The inscriptions by Wang Gong and Wang Zhideng, together with numerous collector seals, further enhance the historical significance and provenance of this important calligraphy handscroll.

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