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Chen Jiru

Type Figure Region China Time 1558–1639 Also known as courtesy name Zhongchun、style name Meigong、Migong、Baishi Shanqiao

Chen Jiru (1558–1639), courtesy name Zhongchun, style name Meigong, of Huating, Songjiang Prefecture, was a renowned Ming literatus, painter-calligra…

Timeline

  1. 1601–1605Dongsheshan · SongjiangChen Jiru built a residence at Dongsheshan, featuring such scenic spots as the Wanxian Hermitage, Laiyi Hall, and Wanxiang Hall. During this period he burned incense, sat at leisure, read and wrote, collected Su Shi's ink traces and had them carved into the Wanxiang Tang Tie; requests for his poetry, prose, and letters never ceased. The court repeatedly summoned him, and Xu Jie, Huang Daozhou, Dong Qichang, and others repeatedly recommended him, but he firmly declined each time.
  2. 1606–1610Songjiang Prefecture · SongjiangDuring his retirement Chen Jiru was not entirely withdrawn from the world. In the Wanli era Songjiang repeatedly suffered floods, and he wrote works such as the Memorial to Chancellor Wang on Famine Relief urging aid; he also participated in local public welfare, intervening in famine relief and tax-corvée discussions as a commoner. His reputation reached both the scholar-gentry and the common folk, and popular publications often falsely bore the name 'Meigong' to boost sales.

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