Zhang Xu, the Calligrapher of the Tang Dynasty
Zhang Xu was a renowned calligrapher of the Tang Dynasty.One year, Yan Zhenqing, who was deeply passionate about practicing calligraphy, resigned from his official post and became a disciple of Zhang Xu to study the art. He originally believed that by learning under a master, he could quickly grasp the secrets of writing and achieve instant fame. However, after becoming his student, Zhang Xu did not reveal any secret techniques for practice. Instead, he merely gave Yan Zhenqing brief guidance on the characteristics of model calligraphy sheets, introduced some famous examples by master calligraphers, and had Yan Zhenqing copy them. Sometimes, after drinking a little wine, Zhang Xu would take Yan Zhenqing mountain climbing, swimming, visiting markets, or watching theatrical performances. When they returned home, he would either have Yan practice writing or let him observe as Zhang himself wrote swiftly and vigorously with his brush.