Master calligrapher Xiao Xian's work. [Photo provided to China Daily]

At age 13, Xiao Xian (1902-97) was hailed a calligraphy prodigy for being skilled in the cleric lishu script.

Her writings displayed confidence and grandeur, and many people at the time made the mistake of thinking Xiao was a man.

Xiao's calligraphy achievements are recognized in an exhibition titled Calligraphy Life at the National Art Museum of China in Beijing through Aug 6.

More than 100 pieces by the Nanjing-based artist are on show, including several that were donated to the museum by Xiao's family at the exhibition opening.

The exhibition also commemorates the 115th anniversary of Xiao's birth.

Shown works demonstrate Xiao's versatility in practicing various scripts of Chinese calligraphy, such as zhuanshu, the seal script, and xingshu, the semi-cursive script.