Zhang Yuzhao

• Zhang Yuzhao, courtesy name Lianqing, and pseudonym Lianting, was born in Ezhou, Hubei Province. He was a late Qing Dynasty official, essayist, and calligrapher. His calligraphy combined the styles of the Northern Steles (Beibi) and Southern Scrolls (Nantie), creating a unique script known as "Zhang Style" (Zhangti), which had a significant influence on later calligraphers. Kang Youwei praised his calligraphy, calling him "a once-in-a-thousand-years talent." Zhang was an apprentice under Zeng Guofan and became one of the "Four Disciples of Zeng Weng" (Zeng Wen Sidi). He was recommended by Zeng Guofan as a promising candidate for official positions.