By Wang Xianzhi
Eastern Jin Dynasty
Handscroll, Cursive script, Ink on silk
Length: 26.1cm, Width: 26.9cm

Wang Xianzhi, the seventh son of the great calligrapher Wang Xizhi, was a native of Linyi, Shandong Province. He learned calligraphy from his father in his childhood, and later received training from Zhang Zhi. He was accomplished in almost all calligraphy styles, especially the running-cursive script. Having 15 characters in 2 lines, this work is a note to some relative or friend. Fluid and open in writing, smooth and natural in brushwork, simple and elegant in composition, it is a unique specimen of good writing. "Ya Tou Wan" are pills made of powdered Chinese medicine for diuresis and belly swelling.