Bao Xianlun's first solo exhibition in Beijing, Meditation on the Past, reflects upon his decades-long dedication to enriching lishu, or the clerkly script, the name of the script used by government bureaucrats. At the show, his 100-odd calligraphic scrolls and calligraphy on pottery pieces, offer a glimpse of the diverse landscape of lishu and the spirit of the ancient literati. He also presents his interpretation of tradition with brush strokes of a modern touch. Born in Shanghai, Bao, 59, once taught at colleges and served as an official at cultural agencies in China. He now chairs Zhejiang province's calligraphers' association.

9 am-5 pm, until June 24. National Art Museum of China, 1 Wusi Dajie (Street), Dongcheng district, Beijing. 010-6400-1476.

Bao Xianlun's calligraphy pieces on display. Photo by Jiang Dong / China Daily