Many artists are scratching the surface of modern Chinese calligraphy, while few have a deep understanding and accomplishment. Among the latter, Shao Yan stands out. The artist was born in Shandong Province in 1960 and distinguishes himself with his unique style and technique. Unlike others he has not abandoned the use of characters in his work and continues to explore classical calligraphy. Sought after, Shao Yan is held in both public and private collections.