Gazing at this building. Can you feel the weight of history embedded in the walls of Shen Yinmo’s Former Residence?
This residence stands as a testament to a man of many talents. Shen Yinmo was a leading Chinese calligrapher and a celebrated author. He lived here for the last 25 years of his life.
Shen Yinmo was born in 1883. He died in 1971 in Shanghai. After studying in Japan, he returned to China. Shen actively participated in the May Fourth Movement. Like Lu Xun and Hu Shi, he wrote for Xin Qingnian. He was already known as a calligrapher and writer.
Later in life, Shen Yinmo became a professor at several universities. He even served as the president of Beiping University. But his life took a dark turn during the Cultural Revolution.
At 80 years old, Shen Yinmo was tortured by young Red Guards. They targeted all non-communist art and culture. Shen was declared a counter-revolutionary.
This building on Hailun Road is more than just bricks and mortar. It is a monument to Shen Yinmo’s enduring legacy. The Hongkou District invested 200,000 yuan to renovate it. The renovated residence covers over 190 square meters.
The exhibition room is on the first floor. It is divided into three parts. “Pioneer of the New Culture Movement” is one part. “A Generation of Calligraphers of the Qing Dynasty” is another. And finally, “Flowers of Old Trees in Spring”.
Shen Yinmo’s former residence is a three-story building. It faces both north and south. Sha Menghai inscribed the wooden plaque by the door. It reads “Former Residence of Shen Yinmo”. Zhao Puchu wrote the banner above the hall.
Inside, you will find many fascinating artifacts. There is a half-length statue of Shen Yinmo. It is made of glass fiber reinforced plastics. Li Liqun’s running script inscription reads “A Generation of Coquettish”.
The exhibition hall has six sections. They cover Shen’s early friends. They include cultural pioneers of the May Fourth Movement. Also, a generation of great masters in calligraphy. Leaders praised his writing. He and his wife had a deep love. He was proficient in calligraphy.
Photos show Shen Yinmo with prominent figures. These include Li Dazhao and Lu Xun. You can see large-scale photos of him writing. There are famous stele books and pastes he copied. Also, ink, manuscripts, and treatises published worldwide.
Mao Zedong appointed Shen Yinmo to the Shanghai Municipal People’s Government. Premier Zhou appointed him deputy director of the Central Museum of Culture and History. You can see the original documents here. The residence also displays his writing tools.
The second and third floors are not open to the public. The study remains as it was. Couplets written by Shen Yinmo adorn the walls. They read, “Hard work and self-reliance, gold and stone don’t follow the wave”. Many fine works of calligraphy are displayed.
In 1987, Shen’s wife Chu Baoquan asked the district to organize the residence. It opened to the public in 1990. It stands as a testament to his life and work. Take a moment to appreciate the spirit of Shen Yinmo. His passion for art and culture lives on within these walls.