Zhao Zhiqian (1829~1884), courtesy name Yifu, nicknamed Tiesan, Lengjun, etc., was a native of Kuaiji (now Shaoxing, Zhejiang). Not only was he an all-round art master of calligraphy, painting, and sealing, but he was also skilled in calligraphy. His achievements in calligraphy in the Northern Wei Dynasty were the most eye-catching and had a profound impact on later generations.
When he first learned calligraphy, he was introduced to it by Yan Zhenqing. Later, he received the theoretical guidance of Bao Shichen, so he converted to stele studies and worked hard on the sculptures of the Northern Wei and Six Dynasties. In this way, his calligraphy changed from flat and wide-knotted Yan characters to the Northern Wei calligraphy style of oblique and tight-knotted calligraphy. It was fresh, vigorous and unconventional, and stood tall among other calligraphers. Zhao Zhiqian's seal cutting is not so graceful, melancholy and brilliant, but presents a fresh, elegant and expressive style.