Regulated Verse Scroll in Cursive-Script by Wang Chong, Ming Dynasty

Wang Chong was from Wuxian County, Jiangsu. He was a talented child and gained his fame when he was young. He devoted his whole life to poetry, calligraphy, painting and carving and was especially accomplished in calligraphy. Unfortunately, he died at the age of merely thirty-nine. 

This cursive-script scroll was created by Wang Chong at the age of about thirty-five, which was composed for eulogizing the Treasure Belt Bridge in his hometown. It is said that the Treasure Belt Bridge was sponsored to be constructed by Provincial Governor Wang Zhongshu of the Tang Dynasty with the jade belt donated by him. It was thus named "Treasure Belt Bridge" in memory of him.   

Wang Chong led the great revolution of cursive script in the late Ming Dynasty. The stippling and structure of his calligraphic strokes were both well-regulated. Although this is a cursive-script work, all characters are independent from each other and written with cautious, clear-cut vigor. The turns of strokes are rounded, and endings are usually inversely falling, which demonstrates the tough and stern style. The entire work carries a profound, vintage artistic conception. Although it is not necessarily neat and seems scattered, it is actually full of risky and steep force.