Wang Xizhi
Wang Xizhi (321-379) was originally from Langya, Shandong province. He later settled down in Shanyin, Kuaiji. Wang was born into an aristocratic family. His father, Wang Kuang, served as prefect of Huainan. His uncle was counselor-in-chief to Emperor Yuandi of the Jin Dynasty.
Wang Xizhi was slow in speaking as a kid but showed his talent when he grew up. He was straight and did not mind rites and social manners very much. He served in different important posts in his civil service. He was not enthusiastic about fame and wealth. When he first arrived in Zhejiang, he wanted to end his service for the government and retire to a life of comfort. The court loved his talents and wanted to appoint him as princely attendant and imperial secretary of the Ministry of Rites. But Wang declined these appointments. He finally retired from the government service on the ground of his poor health.
Wang Xizhi took lessons in calligraphic art from his teacher Zhong Yao, but he later absorbed the best from various calligraphers. The way he wrote calligraphic works was a radical change from the traditions in the Han and Wei dynasties and thus created a unique style which was elegant and flowing. In 353, the 9th year of the Yonghe Period of the Jin dynasty, Wang Xizhi, Xie An, Zhi Dun and other scholars, altogether a group of 41, met at the Pavilion of Orchids for a memorial ceremony. In high spirits, Wang Xizhi wrote an essay called A Prologue to Pavilion of Orchids Collection. Wang expressed his interests in the story and handwrote it in a grand calligraphic way. The work became an all-time masterpiece. Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty regarded this calligraphic artwork as a tour de force and the piece was buried with the emperor in the tomb. The original copy of the writing disappeared from the world. Nowadays, all the copies of this prologue known to the world today were created by other famed calligraphic masters.
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