Beijing exhibition showcases evolving art of calligraphy, seal carving

A calligraphy and seal carving exhibition at Zizhuyuan Park in Beijing, Dec. 26, 2025. [Photo by Liu Sitong/China.org.cn]

A calligraphy and seal carving exhibition is on display at Zizhuyuan Park in Beijing through late January, featuring the works of four contemporary artists: Wang Xingjia, Cheng Maoquan, Ma Juntong and Cao Xinyuan. Each brings a distinctive style to the traditional art forms, demonstrating their continued vitality and creative relevance.

The exhibited pieces reflect the artists' creative explorations as well as their philosophical perspectives on art and life.

Wang Xingjia was born in Qiqihar in northeast China's Heilongjiang province in 1956. He graduated from Capital Normal University with a degree in calligraphic art. Now a national first-class artist, his works have been collected by the National Museum of China and other prominent museums in China and abroad. He has also been invited by China Philately to carve thematic seals for commemorative stamps.

Cheng Maoquan was born in Beijing in 1957 and is also an alumnus of Capital Normal University, where he studied calligraphic art. He wrote a book about the development of brushwork in Zhangcao, a style of cursive script with clerical features for which he is known. He also runs Hongbaotang, an art studio that sells paintings and calligraphic works by established artists, hosts regular exhibitions and supports emerging artists.

Ma Juntong and Cao Xinyuan, both Beijing natives, round out the exhibition. Ma, born in 1959, is a calligrapher, seal carving artist and researcher specializing in the classic novel "Dream of the Red Mansion." He also carries on his maternal grandfather's seal carving technique, which renders animal patterns with distinctive liveliness.

Cao, born in 1960, has won acclaim for carving seals in bird-and-insect script, a decorative style of calligraphy featuring flowing, ornate characters. He integrates elements from bronze inscriptions, bamboo slips and silk manuscripts, along with freehand techniques, to bring fresh expression to the art form.

The exhibition will be open to the public through Jan. 25.