Calligraphy has always been one of the most highly-prized art forms in China. And the National Art Museum of China is providing a good chance for anyone looking for a glimpse of the true essence of the traditional Chinese art form. An exhibition featuring a collection of Cursive Calligraphy by Yu Youren, a prominent Chinese calligrapher, is underway in Beijing.

The exhibition gives a broad overview of Yu Youren's calligraphy by illustrating some 100 pieces of his handwriting from different periods in various styles.

What's the highlight of the exhibition? It's definitely the master's most influential contribution to Chinese calligraphy – cursive script.

Born on April 11, 1879, in north China's Shanxi Province, Yu devoted his life to the study of the cursive script and created the "standardized cursive script," which made a substantial impact during his time.

Wu Kangmei, an advisor of the China Calligraphy Association, said: "For now, I think Yu's contribution to the standardization of cursive script is significant. His effort accelerated the popularization of cursive script among China's art circle as well as among common people. Many people ask me who is the best cursive calligrapher in China? I don't have the answer because art is something that cannot be judged, but Yu is one of the artists that made continuous efforts to the development of Chinese calligraphy."

Yu is perhaps best known for his calligraphy and published related works on the topic. He spent his later years in Taiwan and his writing style is very popular among Taiwan's art circle. Many of his works are collected by Taiwan's artists.

Lu Ping-wen, the director of the Taiwan Yu Youren Calligraphy Collection Institute, said: "I think Yu's work not only has significant influence on the development of Chinese calligraphy, but also has reminded Chinese people to carry forward traditional Chinese culture. The exhibition is really meaningful; I came a long way from Taiwan with my colleagues to attend the event. Starting from the exchange in the field of Chinese calligraphy, we hope artists from both sides can make joint efforts to help realize national rejuvenation as well as to promote cultural prosperity."

Yu Youren was a calligrapher as well as an educator, scholar and politician. After a brief stint as a leader of the revolutionary forces in the Xinhai Revolution (1911-1912), he established Shanghai University and became the first president of the school in 1922.

The exhibition will run until May 20.