Wang Xizhi
Wang Xizhi (303-361), courtesy name Yishao, was born in Langya Linyi (now Linyi City, Shandong Province). A minister and calligrapher of the Eastern Jin Dynasty, he was the son of Yin Wangkuang of Danyang and the son-in-law of Taiwei Xi Jian. He was known as the "Sage of Calligraphy".
With his family background, he entered the officialdom and served successively as secretary Lang, governor of Jiangzhou, prefect of Kuaiji, and general of the right army. He was known as "Wang Youjun".
In the ninth year of Yonghe (353), the Lanting Elegant Gathering was organized. The "Preface to the Lanting Collection" written by him has become "the best running script in the world". In the eleventh year of Yonghe (355), he abandoned his official position due to illness and moved to Jinting, Shaoxing. He died in the fifth year of Shengping (361) and was buried in Jinting Waterfall Mountain.