Letter to the artists father-in-law, Wu Yu datable to 1506-10 Wen Zhengming Chinese In the mid-sixteenth century, Wen Zhengming dominated the cultural life of Suzhou with his significant talents in poetry, painting, and calligraphy. This letter shows a different side of Wen, when he was young and his star was still on the rise. Writing in his mid-thirties to his father-in-law, he assumes the tone not of a leading cultural figure but a deferential and respectful junior. The fancy stationery with plum blossom design is another sign that Wen wanted his letter to make a good impression.. Letter to the artists father-in-law, Wu Yu 45775