Transmitting the Mulberry Mistletoe

Dong Qichang (style name Xuanzai), a native of Huating in Jiangsu (modern Songjiang in Shanghai), was gifted at painting and calligraphy, also having a large collection of art and skilled at connoisseurship. This album transcribes in semi-cursive script an interesting text by Xiao Guanlan of the Ming dynasty entitled “Transmitting the Mulberry Mistletoe,” referring to a non-deciduous shrub with the scientific name Taxillus chinensis. In Materia Medica of the God of Agriculture, it is ranked in the top category and said to eliminate “wind-dampness,” benefit the liver and kidney, and strengthen bones and ligaments. The entire text is composed of medicinal names, the number exceeding one hundred. Cleverly composed and naturally arranged, it is quite skillfully done, the rhythm of the piece also appealing. The calligraphy is likewise done in fluid and natural brushwork, the spirit of the piece twisting and turning with ease. The only problem is that the date recorded (1637) is one year after Dong Qichang passed away.