Wang Xizhi (303-361) is remembered for his major influence on Chinese calligraphic style. After his death, his works continued to be revered by emperors in China, including Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty, who publicly proclaimed a fascination with the calligrapher.
Taizong acquired many of Xizhi's works and he housed the collection at the Imperial Court. Sadly, China's historical wars destroyed most of those works, leaving virtually no originals intact. This show brings together a number of duplications, most of which were made by court artisans who worked closely to the originals; till March 3.
Tokyo National Museum, Honkan; (03) 5405-8686; 13-9 Ueno Park, Taito-ku, Tokyo; Ueno Station, JR Yamanote Line. 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. (March 1 till 8 p.m.). ¥1,500. Closed Mon. (except Feb. 11), Feb. 12. www.tnm.jp.
