Letter from Master Shixi to Fang

CHINA; Ming to Qing dynasty

This is a letter written by Master Shixi to a lay devotee named Fang. The note expresses regret that they were unable to meet in person due to the far distance between them. Shixi also praised Fang for his writing skills.
The calligraphy was forcefully written with a fine brush pen using both dry and wet ink. At the start, the writing appears slow and the composition is sparse, however, as the pace quickens, the lines become more narrow and the work is endowed with a feeling of eagerness. A natural and unrestrained style is exhibited, particularly at the end where it brings about a sense of ease.
Shixi had an original family name of Liu, and was also known as Kuncan. He is one of the Four Eminent Monks of the late Ming (1368–1644) and early Qing (1644–1911) dynasties, and he is known for his skills in painting, calligraphy, and poetry. His painting style sought to imitate nature, while his calligraphy works appear to be unconventional yet delivering a sense of liveliness.