Wang Xizhi
2 min readWang Xizhi（321-379 or 303-361 or 307-365）was a Chinese calligrapher，traditionally referred to as the“Sage of Calligraphy”.
Born in Linyi，Shandong，he spent most of his life in the present-day Shaoxing，Zhejiang.He learned the art of calligraphy from Wei Shuo.He excelled in every script but particularly in the semi-cursive script.Unfortunately，none of his original works remains today.
His most famous work is the“Preface to the Poems Composed at the Orchid Pavilion”，the preface of a collection of poems written by a number of poets when gathering at Lanting near the town of Shaoxing for the Spring Purification Festival.
The original is lost，but there are a number of fine tracing copies and rubbings.
Wang Xizhi is particularly remembered for one of his hobbies-rearing geese.
Legend has it that he learnt the key of how to turn his wrist while writing by observing how the geese move their necks.
Wang Xizhi had seven children，all of whom were notable calligraphers.The most distinguished one was his youngest son，Wang Xianzhi.
The Two Wangs
Wang Xizhi，“the Calligraphy Saint”and Wang Xianzhi，his son，are called “the Two Wangs（Kings）.”Their calligraphies of the Cursive Hand are characterized by extreme beauty，elegance and prominence.Their calligraphies exerted a great impact on those of later generations.
Chinese calligraphy has had a great influence on Chinese art and communication through its many systems and schools.With a long history and tradition，it has been prosperous，getting more and more popular among today’s numerous art forms.The reason why people enjoy Chinese calligraphy is that they can both develop skills and mold their temperament through learning and appreciating calligraphy.Chinese calligraphy，with its unique beauty and irresistible charms，is stepping out of the country and into the world.
