1. Jin Dynasty (265–420) Western Jin (西晉, 265–316)
Eastern Jin (東晉 317–420)

2. Six Dynasties Eastern Wu (222–280) Eastern Jin Dynasty (317–420)
Liu Song Dynasty (420–479)
Southern Qi (479–502)
Liang Dynasty (502–557)
Chen Dynasty (557–589)
All established their capital in Jiankang or Nanjing.
六朝，一般指的是指中国历史上三国至隋朝的南方的六个朝代。即三国吴（或称东吴、孙吴）、东晋、南朝宋（或称刘宋）、南朝齐（或称萧齐）、南朝梁、南朝陈这六个朝代。六朝承汉启唐，创造了极其辉煌灿烂的“六朝文明”，在科技、文学、艺术等诸方面均达到了空前的繁荣，开创了中华文明新的历史纪元。这六个朝代的共同点是都建都于南京，六朝时期的南京城是世界上第一个人口超过百万的城市，和古罗马城并称为“世界古典文明两大中心”，在人类历史上产生了极其深远的影响。唐朝人许嵩在《建康实录》一书记载了这六个朝代，故而得名。

3. Six Dynasties with legitimate lineage Sima Guang’s Comprehensive Mirror to Aid in Government 资治通鉴
These six dynasties were:
Cao Wei (220–265)
Jin Dynasty (265–420)
Liu Song Dynasty (420–479)
Qi Dynasty (479–502)
Liang Dynasty (502–557)
Chen Dynasty (557–589)

4. Preface to the Orchid Pavilion By Wang Xizhi 353
Called "Sage of Calligraphy " in China's history of calligraphy, Wang Xizhi ( ) was the great calligrapher of the Eastern Jin Dynasty, famous for
行书【xíngshū】 running script/running hand
(in Chinese calligraphy).

5. His Favorite Character

6. 乘龙快婿【chénglóngkuàixù】 Dragon-Riding (ideal) Son-in-Law
In Eastern Jin (344 to 405), Xi Jian, Grand Master, tutor to the crown prince, 太傅, asked the prime minister Wang to find a son-in-law among his students for him.
Ruan Yu, butler of Xi Jian, reported that everybody behaved politely except Wang Xizhi who was lying in bed with all buttons unbuttoned…

7. in Exchange for a Flock of Geese
It is said that a Taoist in Shanyin County wanted Wang Xizhi to write some calligraphy for him, but had not made acquaintance with him. When he got to know that Wang Xizhi had a special preference for geese, he raised a flock of geese specially beside the Taoist temple. One day Wang Xizhi saw the geese when he passed by the temple, and he really took a fancy for them, wishing to buy and bring them back home. The Taoist told him, "I would like to present you with these geese if you copy me a Taoist scripture". Delighted with this, Wang Xizhi spent the whole day copying the scripture for the Taoist. Later he took the geese home in great pleasure.

8. Value of his work
Tang Dynasty emperor Taizong, Li Shimin, held Wang Xizhi's calligraphy in great esteem. Upon hearing that the original copy of Preface to the Orchid Pavilion was kept by the monk Bian Cai, he devised to outwit the monk to obtain it, placing it in front of himself and admiring it day and night. In order that more people could appreciate this calligraphic treasure, the emperor ordered his officials Zhao Mo, Hong Chengsu and others to make some elaborate copies of the original, which he gave away to his imperial family members and favored officials. At the same time he especially organized Ouyang Xun, Chu Suiliang, Yu Shinan and other famous calligraphers to conscientiously copy Preface to the Orchid Pavilion Poems.

9. 兰亭集序

10. Preface to the Orchid Pavilion 353
A masterpiece for its literary quality;
A masterpiece in calligraphy

11. The Goose Pond

12. 鹅池 The Goose Pond Shaoxing, Zhejing Province

13. Read his masterpiece online
Wang Xizhi. “Preface to the Orchid Pavilion Poems”