Zhong Qiu Tie by Wang Xianzhi (part) [Photo/yueyaa.com]

Calligraphy in ancient China was critically important for Chinese literati.

Since the practice of the imperial examination, calligraphic skill may change the fate of those examinees. It was generalized that, since so few were able to receive formal education, their intercultural ability and their qualification to serve the emperors correlated with calligraphy.

Moreover, the examiners might not have enough time to go through all the essays, and they tended to rank candidates based on calligraphy rather than contents. Therefore, calligraphy somewhat became a strong indicator for talent and promotion.

Even in daily lives, people with calligraphic skills were highly respected and in high demand for letters, contracts, Buddhist scriptures, as well as decorations for weddings and funerals.