Seven-character Poem in Running Script - For Jimei

ZHANG DAQIAN (1899-1983)
Seven-character Poem in Running Script - For Jimei
Unmounted scroll, ink on paper
35.7 x 89.7 cm. (14 x 35 ³⁄₈ in.)
Inscribed and signed by the artist

NOTE: This calligraphy was likely written for James C.M. Lo (Luo Jimei, 1902-1987), a photojournalist who, along with his photographer wife Lucy L. Lo, travelled to Dunhuang in 1943 to photograph the Mogao Caves. There, they systematically produced over 2,500 black and white photographs that document the caves in the mid-20th century. It was also in Dunhuang where they met Zhang Daqian, who remained a life-long friend. The James and Lucy Lo photographic archive, manuscripts, and artist renderings are now housed at Princeton University’s Art Museum.