"Sangluan Tie," one of the finest works by China's famous calligrapher Wang Xizhi (303-361) is being exhibited at the Shanghai Museum through March 24.

One of the most cherished examples of fourth century calligraphy, "Sangluan Tie" is back in China for the first time in 1,300 years. It is one of the stars of the show "Twin Peaks: The Finest of Chinese and Japanese Calligraphy." The joint exhibition of the Shanghai Museum and the Tokyo National Museum was shown in Tokyo in January and February.

"Sangluan Tie" is believed to have been brought to Japan as a gift by Tang Dynasty (618-907) monk Jian Zhen. Even in Japan, the masterpiece is rarely exhibited by the royal court.

"Sangluan Tie" is a letter Wang wrote to a friend after his ancestors' tombs were destroyed in war. He probably had not intended to create a calligraphy masterpiece, but critics say the free and vigorous style best reflects Wang's style.

The 62-character letter changes from the running style, featuring joined and often merged strokes that form readable characters to the cursive style, which features completely irregular characters and is often illegible. Critics say the change of styles shows Wang's growing outrage.

Wang's calligraphy has been popular since his time. His most distinguished fan was undoubtedly Li Shimin, the second emperor of the Tang Dynasty. The emperor collected many of Wang's works and ordered the entire collection to be buried with him, one of the reasons that the originals of Wang's calligraphy have vanished.

Only about 20 of Wang's calligraphy pieces remain in the world, and none has been proved to be original, including the "Sangluan Tie," which researchers say is a copy made during the Tang Dynasty. But it is said to be so close to the original that it is often referred to as Wang's calligraphy.

Chinese calligraphy first reached Japan during the Tang Dynasty. Afterwards, many works from different dynasties were presented to Japan.

The entire "Twin Peaks" exhibit includes 190 pieces of Chinese and Japanese calligraphy from the collections of both countries. The exhibition shows calligraphy's roots in China and transformation in Japan.

Six calligraphy pieces of Wang Xizhi, along with other ancient works sent to Japan, are at the Shanghai Museum, with some on exhibit through April 26. "It's the first time so many works of Wang Xizhi have appeared in the same exhibition," said Chen Xiejun, curator of the Shanghai Museum.

Editor: Wing