Zhang Zhi (calligrapher)

Zhang Zhi (張芝) (died c. 192 AD), courtesy name Boying (伯英), was a renowned Chinese calligrapher of the Eastern Han Dynasty. He is traditionally considered one of the most influential figures in the development of cursive script (草書, caoshu) and is sometimes referred to as the "Sage of Cursive Script" (草聖, caosheng).

Zhang Zhi was born in Dunhuang (敦煌, present-day Dunhuang, Gansu Province). His calligraphy style was highly admired during his lifetime and throughout later generations. He is credited with perfecting the "today cursive" (今草, jincao) style, a more standardized and legible form of cursive script that became widely adopted.

Although no authentic examples of Zhang Zhi's calligraphy survive today, his style is known through later copies and descriptions in historical texts. He is said to have achieved a remarkable level of fluency and expressiveness in his writing, characterized by flowing lines and dynamic movement. His influence can be seen in the works of subsequent calligraphers, including Wang Xizhi, who considered Zhang Zhi a major source of inspiration.

Zhang Zhi's contributions to Chinese calligraphy are significant because he helped transform cursive script from a primarily functional writing style into a highly regarded art form. His mastery of the brush and his innovative approach to character construction paved the way for future generations of calligraphers to explore the artistic potential of cursive script.