Zhang Zhao: A Master of Running Script in the Qing Dynasty The world of 17th-century Chinese art is rich with figures who shaped its trajectory, and among them stands Zhang Zhao (1691–1745), a calligrapher whose elegant running script – known as *jiejing* – continues to captivate viewers today. More than just a skilled practitioner of brush and ink, Zhang Zhao was a product of his time, deeply influenced by the philosophical currents of the Qing Dynasty and the artistic legacy of Dong Qichang, a pivotal figure in establishing aesthetic standards for Chinese art. Born in Xu Province during a…