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University of Michigan Receives Chinese Calligraphy Gift From Chia-Lun Family

University of Michigan Museum of Art has been gifted a Chinese calligraphy relic, by Chia-Lun family, estimated to be worth more than $12 million.

The gift comes from the family of Lo Chia-Lun who was a prominent figure in the Chinese revolution. As a student leader, Chia-Lun participated in the May Fourth Movement of 1919. Throughout his life, he held numerous important government positions, as well as presidentship of major Chinese universities. Chia-Lun has had a long relationship with the University of Michigan. His wife earned her degree from the University in 1927, as well as his two daughters.

The University of Michigan, Musuem of Art

The donation includes 72 calligraphic works that range from the early 14th to the mid-20th century. As such, it has works from Yuan, King, and Qing dynasties (and also from the modern period). Prominent historical calligraphers who feature in the gifted works include Yang Weizhen, Wang Duo and Wang Shouren. Modern calligraphers from the post-1911 period also feature, like Shen Yinmo. The gifts also include objects related to calligraphy, like inkstones and seals.

Talking about the gift, Christina Olsen (Director, University of Michigan Museum of Art) said: “[the gift] will significantly deepen UMMA’s holdings of Chinese calligraphy and will add depth and perspective to other UMMA artworks, enabling a more complete portrayal of Chinese art for museum visitors.” She went on to call the gifts “transformative” for their overall collection.

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Lo Chia-Lun’s daughter Jiu-Fong Lo Chang and her husband Kuei-sheng Chang, both alumni of the university, were the former owners of the calligraphy relics. Talking about the gift, Lo Chang said: “This gift honors not only the legacy of my father, but it also recognizes our family’s deep roots at Michigan and our gratitude for the opportunities U-M afforded us at a time when few Chinese students had the privilege of studying abroad.”