Our compatriots have long regarded writing: namely poetry, tz’u lyrics and compositions; as the most supreme manifestation in the hierarchy of artistic expressions. By engraving a particular artefact with writing, its inherent nature is delineated, its cultural merit is enhanced, its journey to posterity is facilitated. Recently, after examining numerous artefacts engraved or attached with writings in the Studio of Prunus Ode, more than a dozen seals, bamboo wrist rests, jade adornment, pewter wine cup, bamboo fan guards, inkstone, white copper paperweight and artillery shell are selected. Scrutinizing the intentions and purposes of these engravings or attachment, they are then allocated into eight categories, propositioning a new approach to cultural understanding and interpretation. This virtual exhibition is then named Intimate Stories of Calligraphic and Painterly Engravings, Part One.

Curatorial and Editorial Department