Japan finds Tang Dynasty copy of Wang Xizhi work
9 Jan 2013 8:31 AM IST
An extremely rare copy of a work by fourth century Chinese calligraphy legend Wang Xizhi has been unearthed in Japan, the first such discovery in four decades, Tokyo National Museum said on Tuesday.
No original works survive, despite their having been treasured by Chinese emperors throughout history for their contribution to the development of the delicate art form.
However, Wang's innovative style was so influential that Chinese courts created precise replicas of his writings more than a millennium ago, some of which are held by Japan as national treasures.
The content of the writing, its style, copying technique, and other factors indicate the copy was made during the Tang Dynasty in the seventh to eighth century by the emperor's court, the museum said.
No original works survive, despite their having been treasured by Chinese emperors throughout history for their contribution to the development of the delicate art form.
However, Wang's innovative style was so influential that Chinese courts created precise replicas of his writings more than a millennium ago, some of which are held by Japan as national treasures.
The content of the writing, its style, copying technique, and other factors indicate the copy was made during the Tang Dynasty in the seventh to eighth century by the emperor's court, the museum said.
Next Story
