Wang Chong

CHINA, Jiangsu, Suzhou; Ming dynasty

Wang Chong, also known as Luren or Yayi Shanren, was a famous calligrapher and painter from of Changzhou (present day Suzhou, Jiangsu). He was also reputed for writing poetry and other literature.
First studying calligraphy under Cai Yu, Wang learned regular script from Yu Shinan and Chan Master Zhiyong, and running script from Wang Xianzhi. His calligraphic style was natural and straightforward. Emperor Qianlong (reigned 1736–1795) of the Qing dynasty greatly admired his regular and running script calligraphy for its matured skills. Alongside Wen Zhengming and Zhu Yunming, he is regarded as one of the Three Talents of Suzhou.
Calligraphy by Wang includes the Thousand Character Classic and Five-Characters Regulated Poems, kept at the National Palace Museum in Taipei, Taiwan, and Poems on Staying at Baique Temple, kept at the Suzhou Museum, Jiangsu. Two other works are kept at the Palace Museum in Beijing, and one other, Inspiring Poems of Zhang Hua, is at the Shanghai Museum.