Ashmolean Eastern Art Online, Yousef Jameel Centre for Islamic and Asian Art

Weng Tonghe was from Changshu, Jiangsu province. He had a successful political career, and became the tutor of Qing dynasty emperors Tongzhi (r. 1861-1875) and Guangxu (r. 1875-1908). He is, however, also known for his calligraphy. The inscription on the first page [EA1966.2.a] reads: ‘The album of sixteen leaves on the remains of Mount Yu is the real original work of Shigu xiansheng [aka Wang Hui (1632-1717)]. I have painted copies over ten times, but never got a satisfying one. [For] the current copy, [I] shut my doors for months, and there was absolutely no distracting noise. [I] look at [it and feel that] although the brushwork and colours do not follow the regulations of painting, [I] have managed to get a slightly similar appearance.’