Calligraphy as Decoration: Inscribed Fans and Poetic Couplets (Duilian)
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Passage from Exemplary Figures in Seal Script
By Hu Shu (1825–1872), China, Qing dynasty, 19th century (Gift of Mr. Aoyama Keiji)Asian Gallery (Toyokan) Room 8
April 8, 2026 (Wed) - May 10, 2026 (Sun)The current exhibition features calligraphy inscribed on fan paper and poetic couplets known as duilian brushed vertically on paper, which have traditionally been attached or hung on pillars and gates. These works developed as the art of calligraphy became intertwined with decorative arts, architecture, lifestyles, and customs, supported by the advancements in the processing of materials like paper and silk.
The works on display here demonstrate how calligraphers — literati scholars of the Ming (1368–1644) and Qing (1644–1911) dynasties — made the best of the unique forms of their materials. They also attest to the meticulous attention that the calligraphers paid to the quality of the materials. The beautifully decorated media brought out the best in the calligraphy itself, which embellished people’s personal appearances and decorated homes.
| Designation | Name | Creation/ Excavation/ Provenance |
Period | Acquisition/ Ownership/ Accession Number |
CMT | ||
| Highlight | One Hundred Poems about the Palace in Narrow Standard Script | By Ouyang Shen (dates unknown), China | Ming dynasty, 1619 | TB-864 | |||
| Highlight | Passage from Exemplary Figures in Seal Script | By Hu Shu (1825–1872), China | Qing dynasty, 19th century | Gift of Mr. Aoyama Keiji, TB-1704 | |||
| Highlight | Couplet in Clerical Script | By Yang Xian (1819–1896), China | Qing dynasty, 1891 | Gift of Mr. Tanaka Shinshū, TB-1699 | |||
| Highlight | Couplet in Seal Script | By Wu Dacheng (1835–1902), China | Qing dynasty, 1869 | Gift of Dr. Hayashi Munetake, TB-1536 |