A calligraphy work by Tu Xiangdong. [Photo provided to China Daily]

He constantly copied the handwriting of well-known calligraphers from ancient times and found creative nourishment in their works. Later, he blended those elements with his own handwriting.

Tu has a special love for Mi Fu, one of the four greatest calligraphers in the Northern Song Dynasty (AD 960-1127) about 1,000 years ago. Mi was a master of regular script in small characters, clerical characters, running script and seal characters. He was also known for his lofty and unruly personality.

Perhaps deeply influenced by Mi Fu, Tu's work also has a dashing yet refined natural atmosphere.

"Looking at Tu's handwriting, you get a calm and elegant feeling, natural and unsophisticated. It has toughness with gentleness," says Quan Xihan, advisor to the China Calligraphers Association and himself a renowned calligrapher.