Wang Xianzhi (344-386) was the seventh son of Wang Xizhi, the son-in-law of Sima Yu, a native of Jin, and the father-in-law of Sima Yu, a native of Jin 'an. Following in his father's footsteps, Wang Xianzhi also became a calligrapher, painter and poet. The theory of "Wang Daling" comes from Wang Xianzhi's Zeng Guan to Zhong Shuling. In order to distinguish himself from Wang Min, Wang Xianzhi was called "Da Ling". After Wang Xianzhi's death, Wang Min also wrote a preface to the book. At that time, people called Wang Xianzhi "Wang Daling" and Wang Min "Wang Xiaoling".
Wang Xianzhi's achievements.
Wang Xianzhi practiced calligraphy with his father since childhood. He is famous for his running script and cursive script, but he also has a deep foundation in regular script and official script. Also known as "two kings" with his father Wang Xizhi. Also known as "Little Saint". He, Zhang Zhi, Zhong You and Wang Xizhi are also called "the four saints in the book". Zhang Huaiguan rated his calligraphy as the first in the book review. Wang Xianzhi is also good at painting, and Zhang Yanyuan described his paintings as "the best in the world" in the History of Famous Paintings in Past Dynasties.
Wang Xianzhi's calligraphy art is not conservative all his life, nor does he like long characters like his father. Wang Xianzhi's family studies hard. His poetry and calligraphy is a rising star in the Eastern Jin Dynasty. His cursive script is as skillful, graceful and romantic as his father Wang Xizhi.