May's Water Paper Book-Xing Shu, Wang Xizhi B

Second volume in our Wang Xizhi Running‑Script calligraphy series. Both books focus on the xing shu (running script) for which Wang Xizhi is celebrated, the style that made his works among the most renowned in Chinese calligraphy culture.

Like the first volume, this is a traditional water‑writing practice book, also known as a magic‑cloth calligraphy practice book. It lets you fine‑tune your brushwork through repeated stroke practice with zero waste of paper or ink.

This book features Huairen Ji Sheng Jiao Xu (Collection of Wang Xizhi’s Calligraphy for the Sheng Jiao Xu). The original preface text was composed by Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty. This famous monument was created by Master Huairen, who collected and assembled existing Wang Xizhi running‑script characters to form the complete work. The Sheng Jiao Xu serves as a preface to an Indian Buddhist sutra.

Calligraphist Reference: Wang Xizhi Style: Xing Shu (Running Script)

Edition Details: Chinese, 127 pages, 14.5 in × 10.3 in / 37.0 cm × 26.0 cm, softcover

The original text of Sheng Jiao Xu was authored by Emperor Taizong of Tang. Monk Huairen compiled characters from Wang Xizhi’s surviving running‑script works to transcribe this preface. The preface was written for the Buddhist sutras brought back from ancient India by the famous monk Tang Xuanzang.

May's Water‑Writing Cloth Books series offers one of the most convenient ways for beginners‑to‑intermediate learners to practice Chinese calligraphy. Each volume features a classic ancient Chinese text or poem. You can trace and copy the original characters to study and imitate the master calligrapher’s brush‑writing style.

The highlight of these practice books is the magic water‑writing cloth surface. Instead of regular paper, the writing surface is made of flannel‑type textile. You write with plain water instead of ink. Once the water evaporates in roughly two minutes, all traces of writing fade away completely.

This design eliminates paper waste and is eco‑friendly, while offering unlimited repeated practice! Perfect for total calligraphy beginners, as well as intermediate‑level practitioners wanting to explore new scripts or polish their existing brush‑calligraphy skills.