Wang Jiqian, also known as C. C. Wang, was one of the foremost pioneers of contemporary Chinese ink painting. Painter, calligrapher, connoisseur, scholar, collector, mentor, art dealer, donor—he led a colorful life. Born into an aristocratic family in Suzhou, Jiangsu, Wang began painting at age fifteen and soon developed the skills of collecting, authenticating, and trading art. He studied Chinese painting with Wu Hufan (1894–1968), through whom he gained access to painting collections, acquired an encyclopedic knowledge, and formed a legendary collection. He wrote scholarly books and taught classical painting. For many years, he exhibited his own traditional calligraphy, even as he painted contemporary art. This character is the tiger (虎), which symbolizes dignity and courage and is the third of twelve animals of the Chinese calendar. Wang wrote it using cursive script, as he thought this script type best suited his brushwork. Cursive calligraphy may look frenzied, but it is executed with care and poise to achieve a perfect dynamic balance. Wang showed the flexibility of his artistry with this authentic word, even as his avant-garde “calligraphic painting,” Nonsense, can be seen nearby.