In Chinese calligraphy, cursive script, running script, regular script, and official script are considered to be the four main font forms, of which regular script is the origin of the other three. Regular script has been widely used during the Han Dynasty and became the standard font for official documents and classic documents. Cursive script, running script and official script all evolved from regular script.
Cursive script gradually evolved on the basis of regular script. It is characterized by cursive and simple strokes, flowing clouds and flowing water, and has a strong artistic beauty. Running script is further developed on the basis of cursive script. It is more neat than cursive script, but still retains a certain degree of writing freedom. Official script evolved from regular script and seal script during the Han Dynasty. It has simple and bright strokes and is mainly used for writing official documents and seals.
Although regular script is the origin of the other three fonts, cursive script, running script and official script have each developed unique styles and characteristics, and occupy an important position in the art of calligraphy.