Wen Zhenmeng

CHINA, Jiangsu, Suzhou; Ming dynasty

Wen Zhenmeng, with aliases Wenqi and Zhanchi, was a monk and calligrapher, as well as the great grandson of the famous artist Wen Zhengming, from Wuxian (present day Suzhou, Jiangsu). He became an Imperial Scholar in 622 and was appointed as an editor in the Hanlin Academy. His position was promoted progressively and he was known to be honest, straightforward, and courageous. Wen was well-versed in the Chinese classics and history. A devoted Buddhist, he worked alongside many scholars to purchase Sheng’en Temple in Jiangsu, and subsequently invited Chan Master Hanyue Fazang to reside as the abbot.
Proficient in poetry, literature, painting, and calligraphy, his artistic style was inherited from his family. His copy of the Diamond Sutra in regular script, which was orderly, upright, and distinct from the style of his great grandfather, is currently kept at the National Palace Museum in Taipei, Taiwan. In addition, Wen authored several publications including Essay on Scallions and Tea, Notes on Renowned Elites of Suzhou, and Poetry of Wen Wenqi.