Collected Handwritten Letters《手札合卷》

Tang Shunzhi (1507–1560) and Tang Hezheng (1538–1619)
Tang Shunzhi, courtesy name Yingde, also known as Yixiu, with the pseudonym Jingchuan, was from Wujin (present-day Changzhou), Jiangsu. A renowned mid-Ming literary figure and one of the “Three Masters of Jiajing,” he was also known for his military prowess in resisting Japanese invasions.

Tang Hezheng, courtesy name Yuanqing, with the pseudonym Ning’an, was the son of Tang Shunzhi. He achieved the jinshi degree in the fifth year of Longqing (1571) and held various positions, including Minister of Rites, Director of the Ministry of Works, Deputy Director of the Palace Security Office, and Minister of Rites in Nanjing. After exposing the unlawful actions of eunuchs, he was persecuted and returned to Changzhou, where he taught at the Donglin Academy.

“Collected Handwritten Letters”
This piece is a collection of letters by father and son. Tang Shunzhi’s calligraphy in running-cursive script is smooth and effortless, completed in one continuous flow, resembling the style of Wen Zhengming. Tang Hezheng’s calligraphy, inherited from his family, is elegant and timeless, showcasing strong traditional skills.

唐顺之（1507~1560），字应德，一字义修，号荆川，人称“荆川先生”，武进（今江苏常州）人。明代中期著名文学家，为“嘉靖三大家”之一，亦以军事闻名。

唐鹤徵（1538~1619），字元卿，号凝庵，江苏常州人。唐顺之之子，隆庆五年进士，选礼部主事，历工部郎，尚宝司丞，光禄寺少卿，太常寺少卿，南京太常。唐鹤徵因揭发宦官的不法行为而遭迫害，回常州后在东林讲学。其书法亦由家承。

该作品为父子书札合卷，唐顺之手札书法用行草书，轻松流畅，一气呵成；唐鹤徵书法亦有家承，清丽隽永，颇具传统功力。

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