Lantingji Xu, also known as Lanting Xu, is a famous work of calligraphy by Wang Xizhi, written in 353. It is written in semi-cursive script and is one of the most well-known and copied pieces of calligraphy in Chinese history. The preface describes an event during the Spring Purification Festival in which 42 literati gathered at the Orchid Pavilion near Shaoxing, Zhejiang, to compose poems, play music, and enjoy wine. In the end, twenty-six of the participants composed thirty-seven poems.
# Chinese calligraphy
The hieroglyphs meaning 'Meditation and Tea are the same' has a deep philosophical meaning. It encourages us to contemplate the present moment while enjoying tea, just like we do during meditation. The characters are written in KaiShu style by Wang Xizhi, a Chinese calligrapher considered one of the most esteemed of all time. He was admired by Emperor Taizong and remains influential in Japanese calligraphy.