Nie Wencheng, vice-chairman of the Chinese Calligrapher Association, practices calligraphy at the ceremony.  [Photo by Yan Yiqi/chinadaily.com.cn]

Descendents of Wang Xizhi, a well-known calligrapher in ancient China, held a worship ceremony in his honor on Thursday.

Wang, who lived during the Eastern Jin Dynasty (AD317-420), was known as the “Sage of Calligraphy” since the 4th century. His art inspired millions, or even billions of people in China, an official from the Chinese Calligraphers Association said.

Wang Fahai, part of the 51st generation after Wang Xizhi, hosted the ceremony.

Calligraphy lovers from around the country gathered at Wang Xizhi’s former residence to pay their respects to the calligrapher by presenting and sharing their works on stage.

Nie Wencheng, vice-president of the Chinese Calligraphers Association, said the worship ceremony was not only for Wang’s descendents to remember their great ancestor, but also reminds people to continue the great Chinese tradition of calligraphy.

Wang was born in Shandong province. He retired in Shengzhou and spent the remainder of his life in a mountainside cottage near the city.