A few days ago I visited a calligraphy shop in Dong Fang Gu Yuan Art Market. There I met Mr. Ma Wen Yuan, the owner of the shop and a famous calligraphist.

His shop holds a large amount of Chinese paintings and calligraphy. Mr. Ma told me he started to learn calligraphy at the age of 8 when he had no teacher. So he learned by copying the works of the famous calligraphists. One of his teachers in the primary school was amazed at his handwriting and gave him a nickname: Wen Yuan, which means the origin of calligraphy. This name encouraged him to strive to be a great calligraphist. Everyday he spends at least 2 hours on practicing. For the past 60 years, calligraphy has been the greatest pleasure in his life.

Mr. Ma can write one character in 25 different ways, but he personally prefers the cursive style. I noticed his wide range of styles while looking around. Some show vigor and strength, while some exhibit simple elegance.

Before I left his shop I asked him if he could write something on the spot for me to see. He satisfied my requirements. While watching his writing, I said to myself: without numerous practice years after years, how a person can demonstrate such wonderful skills of calligraphy?

Mr. Ma Wen Yuan is present at his shop almost every day. As a friendly old man, he would love to share his experience in the art of calligraphy with everyone who visits his shop.