1. Wang Xizhi
Preface to Lanting Collection is Wang Xizhi's most famous calligraphy work. It was created in 353 and has high artistic value. Known as "the best calligraphy in the world", Wang Xizhi himself is called "the saint of calligraphy". This work describes Lanting near Shaoxing Town, Zhejiang Province. During his stay in Tomb-Sweeping Day, a group of 42 scholars got together to write poems and drink.
Wang Xizhi wrote a preface for all the poems they wrote on this occasion. This preface records the natural beauty around the exhibition hall and the happy time they spent together, and also expresses their feelings about life. Emperor Taizong appreciated this work very much. It is said that the original was buried in his mausoleum.
2. Yan Zhenqing
The Draft of Sacrificing Nephew was written by Yan Zhenqing in 758 AD to commemorate the sacrifice of his nephew and cousin in the Lushan rebellion. This work is called "the second best running script in the world". His achievements in China's calligraphy art are similar to those of the greatest calligraphers in history, and his calligraphy style is still imitated by many calligraphers.
The work covers an area of 75.5 x 28.2 cm and contains 23 lines and 234 words, which shows his sadness and anger after the death of his relatives. They gave their lives for their country, but when the rebels occupied their area, Tang Jun didn't come to save them.
3. Su Shi
Huangzhou Cold Food Post was written by Su Shi, a famous writer, poet, artist and calligrapher in the Northern Song Dynasty (1037-11). This work is called "the third running script in the world". As a calligrapher and court official, Su Shi was accused of literary libel because of his different political views from mainstream reformists. 1082 Write this poem after being demoted to Huangzhou. There are two poems in the work, which express his life after being demoted.
4. Ou Yangxun
Zhong Ni Meng Dian Tie is Ou Yangxun's masterpiece. Ou Yangxun was a Confucian scholar and calligrapher in the early Tang Dynasty (6 18-907). He was one of the four great calligraphers in the early Tang Dynasty. It covers an area of 33.6x25.5cm and consists of nine lines and 78 words. This is the work of Ou Yangxun in his later years, which is the most precious of his four works and still exists today. Known as the best conventional calligraphy in China, it is quite similar to Wang Xizhi's Preface to Lanting Collection.
5. Huai Su
Autobiographical Notes is the representative work of China's calligraphy Huai Su (737-799). Huai Su is a monk and a cursive lover. His cursive script was appreciated by famous poets and other calligraphers of his time, such as Yan Zhenqing. Works 126 lines, 698 words. The strokes are round and the lines are smooth, just like curly steel wire. The whole work is full of smooth curves. Although this is a work of weeds, it is also very regular. Therefore, this work represents the spirit of freedom but no lack of moderation. It is on display in the Palace Museum.