Poem on Promulgating the Almanac at New Years undated Wen Peng Chinese On this large piece of brownish paper, Wen Peng, an eminent painter, calligrapher, and seal carver of the Ming dynasty (1368-1644), transcribed a poem in running-cursive script in five columns. The poem reads,The time-announcer waits for daybreak by the imperial hall.The elegant palace where multitudes of officials gather exudes fresh grandeur.At the turn of the year, I feel ashamed for passing the time doing nothing.The issuing of calendar, appropriate for spring, happens to take place on a spring day.The twilight of dawn initiates the path of the sun,As if the smoke from incense burners were spreading over the royal court. The promulgation of the almanac has always been a significant event.What an honor that the profound grace reaches even a humble official!Wen Peng 龍樓候曉報鷄人，玉殿千官氣象新。 改歲自慚虛過日，授時春得又逢春。熹微曙色開黃道，髣髴鑪煙散紫宸。頒朔從來傳盛事，覃恩何幸及微臣。 文彭 The text is followed by three artists seals: “Wen Peng zhi yin” (文彭之印), “Wen sh