On the Art of Cursive Script by ZHANG Zhi in the Eastern Han Dynasty

ZHANG Zhi, an outstanding calligrapher of the Eastern Han Dynasty, was the earliest calligrapher honored as caosheng (the sage of cursive script) in the history of Chinese calligraphy. He was proficient in zhangcao (a type of ancient cursive script) and created jincao (regular cursive script), holding a pivotal position in the history of Chinese calligraphy. ZHANG’s calligraphy profoundly influenced the styles of semi(running)-cursive script by WANG Xizhi and WANG Xianzhi in the Eastern Jin Dynasty, as well as ZHANG Xu and Huaisu in the Tang Dynasty. these four were all the most prominent masters of cursive script. Cursive script represents the pinnacle of Chinese calligraphic art, integrating seal script, clerical script, regular script, and running script into one cohesive whole. It is the calligraphic art that best expresses emotions and conveys meanings. ZHANG’s cursive script boasted a unique style, showcasing the ancient simplicity of zhangcao and the beauty of fluidity of jincao. With the natural and harmonious temperament in his brushwork, he established the aesthetic standards and aesthetic principles for the art of cursive calligraphy.