Calligrapher's expressive strokes reveal his mental picture

The 1970s saw an important stage in the career of Sang Zuokai as an upcoming calligrapher: He was able to study under the mentorship of three artists of prominence — Xiao Xian who were adept at the style of stele calligraphy, and Lin Sanzhi and Gao Ershi, both reputed for mastering caoshu, the cursive script.

This learning experience helped Sang achieve progress and develop a writing aesthetics of his own in following years.