Zhang Xu, a famous calligrapher of the Tang Dynasty (618-907), particularly excelled at the caoshu (cursive) style of calligraphy. Cursive script differs from other styles of calligraphy in appearing deceptively simple when it is actually extremely difficult to execute.
It calls for artistry similar to that required for abstract painting, in the sense of mastery of classic art's being a prerequisite to the ability to create abstract works. Zhang Xu's cursive script, based on his kaishu or regular script, was unconventionally and distinctly bold. His calligraphic artistry resulted in his epithet, "sage of cursive script."
Zhang Xu and expert swordplay dancer Madame Gongsun were contemporaries. The attitudes struck by Madame Gongsun’s in her dance sequences of boldleaps, graceful swoops and deadly accurate lunges were, in Zhang Xu's eyes, unusually defined outlines of Chinese characters. He drew inspiration from Madame Gongsun's swordplay and incorporated everything he found thrilling about her performances into his distinctive style of calligraphy, which is now part of China's venerable canon.
