Executed in a supple, elegant script, the calligraphy for the Preface was praised, admired and imitated in subsequent generations. An explanatory panel along the side of the mural reports that at the time of the party, ancient Chinese characters were evolving into the modern style and Wang Xizhi was important in laying the foundation for modern Chinese calligraphy. Zhang's mural follows the traditional style of Chinese mural painting with strong colors, dark lines outlining the structure and human figures filling the abundant free space. The figures appear flat, reflecting a traditional approach toward depth of field. Combining traditional and modern techniques, the mural contrasts gentle and heavy brush strokes, includes a parallel arrangement of multi-layers of cold and warm colors, and uses a casual style of composition.
Jewelry is incorporated into the mural as an embellishment of the women.
It is appropriate that the mural is on the wall of the Chinatown branch of the Los Angeles Public Library. This library was established through a community-wide effort lead by Dr. Ruby Ling Louie, who formed the Friends of the Chinatown Library to mobilize support for the project. After the branch opened in the former auditorium of the Castelar School in 1977, it quickly became apparent that it was too small for the large number of people using it. The Friends group then spearheaded a drive to construct a larger facility. The text has been provided courtesy of Michael Several, Los Angeles, April 1998.