PREFACE

Chinese culture has been passed down through the ages, and the fragrance of ink can also convey the essence of medicine.Both Chinese painting and calligraphy, as well as traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), are gems of Chinese culture,sharing a common origin and deep connections.Since ancient times, the arts and medicine have been inseparable.Many ancient Chinese physicians were skilled in both medicine and the arts, excelling in literature, music, chess, painting, and calligraphy.Simultaneously, many literati and poets explored medical knowledge, combining medical theory with artistic practice to create paintings and calligraphy works with medical value.

The Shanghai Museum of Traditional Chinese Medicine,originally the Medical History Museum of Chinese Medical Association founded in 1938, is the first medical history museum in China, with a profound heritage and numerous artifacts.In 1951. the Chinese Medical Association relocated to Beijing, and the Medical History Museum came under the jurisdiction of the Shanghai branch of the Chinese Medical Association.In 1959, the Medical History Museum was transferred to the Shanghai College of Traditional Chinese Medicine (the predecessor of Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine).In 1998, the museum was jointly managed by Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine and the Chinese Medical Association.With the relocation of Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine to Zhangjiang, Pudong District, the Medical History Museum, the university’s Chinese medicine specimen room, and the Party History and School Chronicle Editing Office were merged in October 2003 to form the Shanghai Museum of Traditional Chinese Medicine.The Shanghai Museum of TCM houses over 14,000 TCM artifacts from the Neolithic period to modern times, with over 1,600 items displayed, including cultural relics, literature, and herbal specimens.Among these, paintings and calligraphy artifacts stand out with their unique artistic forms and rich medical and cultural connotations, becoming a highlight of the museum’s collection.

The book Essential Cultural Relics of Shanghai Museum of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Medical History Museum of Chinese Medical Association): Painting and Calligraphy systematically organizes and deeply researches the museum’s painting and calligraphy artifacts.Through a richly illustrated approach, it vividly showcases the historical background, medical connotations, and artistic value of these precious works.These pieces not only reflect the development trajectory of TCM history but also serve as primary sources for understanding the lives and academic thoughts of renowned physicians and scholars.The works demonstrate the high artistic and literary attainments of these medical practitioners, revealing their meticulous scholarly spirit.By interpreting and appreciating these paintings and calligraphy works, readers can gain a deep understanding of the rich connotations of TCM culture and appreciate the splendid display of traditional Chinese painting and calligraphy,thereby experiencing the beauty of the fusion between TCM culture and the arts.Culture nurtures and influences people subtly.As a key venue for showcasing the history and culture of TCM, the museum carries the mission of inheriting and promoting TCM culture.President Xi Jinping emphasized,“We must bring more cultural relics and heritage to life and create a strong social atmosphere for inheriting Chinese civilization.” The publication of this book is a vivid practice of “bringing cultural relics to life”.

The compilation of this book has greatly benefited from the professional guidance and selfless assistance of experts including Lu Wenyao, Xu Rongjuan, Guo Tianling, Zhao Shian and Gu Chenjie.We hereby express our heartfelt gratitude to them.