Shangyu Scroll makes debut at Shangyu Museum

The Shangyu Scroll, a treasured collection of Shanghai Museum, is exhibited at Shangyu Museum in Shaoxing on May 18. [Photo/Zhejiang Daily]

The Shangyu Scroll, a masterpiece of fourth-century calligrapher Wang Xizhi (303-361), was exhibited for the first time at Shangyu Museum in Shaoxing on May 18 to mark International Museum Day.

The Shangyu Scroll consists of seven lines and 58 characters, showcasing a coherent and fluid writing style. Wang's cursive script is unrestrained and elegant, embodying a sense of ease and naturalness without being constrained by trivial details.

The content of the scroll tells the story of a night when Wang suddenly experienced severe abdominal pain and was unable to meet his friends. He wrote a note which included the characters "Shangyu," explaining the reason for his absence. The mention of "Shangyu" in the note refers to the present-day Shangyu district in Shaoxing.

The exhibition of Shangyu Scroll not only showcases the artistic mastery of Wang but also holds significant historical and cultural value for Shangyu. It serves as a testament to the deep connection between the renowned calligrapher and the region.

The district has announced that Wang's calligraphy had been selected as the brand slogan for the city. The scroll captures the essence of Shangyu's cultural heritage, its connection to Wang Xizhi, and the district's vision for the future.