For most of his life, Tao Bowu (1900-96) had been a low-profile teacher of Chinese language and literature at primary schools in Jiangxi province. And he devoted spare time to another love of life -- calligraphy.

Now, the National Art Museum of China is holding an exhibition of Tao's calligraphic works and ink paintings to mark the 120th anniversary of his birth, through June 2.

A student of established artists such as Huang Binhong and Pan Tianshou, Tao's works carry on the traditions of scholarly elegance and sincerity.

His interpretation of the seal script (zhuan shu) especially transmit a carefree, genuine touch that has enriched the landscape of Chinese calligraphy in the 20th century.

Tao's family donated A dozen of his works to the National Art Museum of China before the exhibition opening.