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.

An exhibition at the National Art Museum of China offers a glimpse of Sang's calligraphy world, showing dozens of works done in various scripts and styles. It runs until May 14.

Born in 1944, Sang has been committed to calligraphy over decades. He was a vice-chairman of the calligraphers' association of Nanjing, Jiangsu province, for years in the 1990s and 2000s.