Haikou, Hainan, China, Septenber 13, 2024 – Stven Zhao, Canada & World Report –In a momentous event, Mr. Du Dejie, a prominent Chinese-American calligrapher, generously donated his meticulously crafted 70-meter-long calligraphy scroll of the Thousand Character Classic to the Hainan Overseas Chinese Museum. The donation ceremony was witnessed by the Hainan Provincial Government's Overseas Chinese Affairs Office and attended by distinguished guests, including Zeng Xiaoming, Deputy Minister of the United Front Work Department of the Hainan Provincial Party Committee and Director of the Provincial Government’s Overseas Chinese Affairs Office.
The calligraphy scroll, which Mr. Du painstakingly created over five years from 1988 to 1994, is a masterwork that blends six different calligraphy styles: seal script, clerical script, Wei steles script, regular script, semi-cursive script, and cursive script. It has been widely praised by experts, including renowned calligrapher Qi Gong, who personally inscribed a dedication on the piece. The artwork also received international recognition during its exhibition in the United States, where overseas Chinese leader Anna Chan Chennault (1925—2018, wife of Claire Lee Chennault) hosted the opening ceremony.
Zeng Xiaoming expressed deep admiration for Mr. Du's act of generosity, stating, "This donation enriches the cultural collection of the Hainan Overseas Chinese Museum and injects new vitality into the preservation and promotion of overseas Chinese culture. It is a testament to Mr. Du’s noble character and social responsibility, and we hope this gesture will inspire more overseas Chinese artists and collectors to support our efforts."
Born in Danxia Mountain, Guangdong, with ancestral roots in Hainan, Mr. Du has had a lifelong passion for calligraphy, beginning his studies at the age of seven. His talent was further honed under the guidance of Zhuang Yan, Vice President of the Palace Museum, where Mr. Du mastered various forms of the art.
By donating this significant work to his hometown's museum, Mr. Du not only honors his heritage but also demonstrates his commitment to supporting cultural institutions and artistic endeavors. This donation marks an important moment for Hainan’s cultural landscape, highlighting the museum's role in preserving and showcasing overseas Chinese contributions to art and culture.
The ceremony was attended by over 20 guests, including Wang Huishan, Deputy Director of the Hainan Provincial Museum, and officials from Hainan’s Overseas Chinese Affairs Office. Representatives from Haikou City, including Li Xin, Deputy Minister of the Haikou United Front Work Department, and Long Jingbin, Deputy Mayor of Longhua District, also spoke at the event.
The Hainan Overseas Chinese Museum expressed its heartfelt gratitude to Mr. Du for his significant contribution, which will further enhance the museum’s ability to promote cultural exchange and preserve the rich history of overseas Chinese communities.