Letter from Master Dangui Jinshi

TAIWAN; Qing dynasty

This letter signed “Jinshi” is the work of Master Dangui Jinshi, scripted after his renunciation at the start of the Qing dynasty (1644–1911). Written in running script, the calligraphy exhibits slim, light brushstrokes. Breaks in strokes remain tacitly connected, and the character form is broad and wide with an inclined profile, providing a unique visual appearance. Characterized by a distinctly austere structure, coupled with a mix of thick and thin strokes, this letter is considered a work of remarkable quality.
Master Dangui Jinshi was originally named Jin Bao, and also known as Xingyin. He was a calligrapher from Hangzhou, Zhejiang. He was a court official until the fall of the Ming dynasty (1368–1644). Thereafter, he renounced under Tianran Hanshi, from whom he inherited the teachings of the Caodong school of Chan Buddhism. He was well-versed in poetry and prose, and excelled in the calligraphy of both running and cursive scripts with a unique and vigorous form.