Preface to Lanting Collection was written in China Jin Dynasty (AD 353). Wang Xizhi, a book sage, wrote books and made friends at the foot of Zhu Lan Mountain in Shaoxing, Zhejiang Province, and wrote "the best running script in the world", also known as Preface to Lanting, Preface to He Lin, Preface to Lanting March 3, etc.
In April 353 A.D. (on the third day of March, the ninth year of Jin Yong, 1667 years ago), Wang Xizhi, who was then the folk history of Huiji, and friends Xie An and Sun Chuo were drinking and writing poems in Ji Ya, Lanting, Huiji, Yin Shan. Wang Xizhi compiled these poems into an episode, made a preface, described the swimming event, and expressed the inner feelings caused by it. This preface is Preface to Lanting Collection. And wrote "Preface to Lanting Collection".
Emperor Taizong highly praised him. He once wrote a biography of Wang Xizhi in the Book of Jin, praising him as "perfect". I will also send copies to nobles and trusted ministers, and I will bury them with the original.
Appreciation of Calligraphy Works of Preface to Lanting Collection
The Preface to the Lanting Pavilion, with 28 lines and 324 words, is charming and elegant, with exquisite words and dancing, which seems to help the gods and men. It has been regarded as a masterpiece in the calligraphy circles of past dynasties. Mi Fei, a great calligrapher in Song Dynasty, called it "the first post of China's running script". Anyone who studies running script in the future will fall in love with Lanting.
Although Preface to Lanting is not as good as Wang Shu's cursive script, as an elegant, leisurely and chic style of the times, no one can surpass it and accompany it. That kind of elegant layout, graceful and relaxed style, changeable brushwork, and comfortable borrowing are amazing.