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Preface to the Orchid Pavilion Collection by Wang Xizhi [reproduced by Chu Suiliang]

Xingshu(running hand or semi-cursive script) was something between_Lishu_(the regular script) and_Caoshu_(the cursive scripts) in the initial period and now is between_Kaishu_(the standard script) and_Caoshu_. No matter which type, when carefully written with distinguishable strokes, the_Xingshu_characters will be very close to the regular style; when swiftly executed, they will approach the_Caoshu_. Chinese masters have always compared with vivid aptness the three styles of writing --_Kaishu, Xingshu_and_Caoshu_-- to people standing, walking and running.

Xingshu_is a writing style looser than regular style. This style was created by Liu Desheng in the reigns of Emperors Huan and Ling of the Han Dynasty (206BC-220AD). At the very beginning, it was called_Xingya, and later on became an independent form.

Xingshu_is considered more abstract and artistic. Writing_Xingshu_characters is done more quickly than_Kaishu_but executed with no less care.Xingshu_is not as messy as_Caoshu, nor as neat as_Kaishu. In general, it is convenient and highly practical for writing.

Masterpieces of_Xingshu_include_Preface to the Orchid Pavilion Collection_by Wang Xizhi, which was reputed as No.1_Xingshu_Work. Unfortunately, the original was not handed down, and the one we see today is only a copy of the original work. Due to the high level of the copier, the copy retains the beautiful, neat style.

Famous_Xingshu_calligraphers included Cai Xiang, Su Dongpo, Huang Tingjian and Mi Fu in the Song Dynasty (960-1279), who were called Four Masters of the Song Dynasty. In the Ming (1368-1644)) and Qing (1644-1911) dynasties and modern times, many calligraphers good at_Xingshu_came into being.