Antiquities of Stele and Calligraphy: Three Tomb Inscriptions from the Six Dynasties

Author: Xue Jianhua Fang Yao Ming
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2003-01-01
Features: The Six Dynasties period was a time of transition from clerical script to regular script, with regular script gradually taking shape. The three Six Dynasties epitaphs included in this collection reflect varying degrees of influence and fusion between the vigorous and northern script style and the elegant southern script style, showcasing the essence of Six Dynasties regular script calligraphy. These are among the more outstanding calligraphic works of the period.
The Yuan Zhen Epitaph (full title: Biography of the Marquis of Anle, the Left Assistant Minister of the Ministry of Personnel and Military Commissioner of Jizhou, the Military Commissioner of the Northern Wei Dynasty) was carved on the 26th day of the eighth month of the Yanchang year (AD 512). It measures 79.3 cm in height and 76.5 cm in width, with 22 lines of text, each containing 23 characters in regular script. It was unearthed in Beiluwa Village, 30 li north of the city of Luoyang, Henan, in 1917 and is now housed in the Shanghai Museum. In terms of calligraphy, it features strong brushwork, dense structure, and a bold, rugged, yet natural Northern Wei style.
The Shi Wan Epitaph (also known as the Epitaph of Lady Shi), with the full title Biography of Shi Wan, the Secondary Jisi of Jiangyang Wang, the Minister of Personnel of the Northern Wei Dynasty, was carved in the eleventh month of the Yongping year (AD 508). It measures 57 cm in height and 59 cm in width, with 18 lines of text, each containing 20 characters in regular script. It was unearthed in Zhangniacai, north of Luoyang, Henan, during the Xuantong era of the Qing Dynasty (1909 AD) and is now housed in the Shanghai Museum. In terms of calligraphy, it features smooth, clear brushwork and a refined, elegant style, with obvious influence and fusion of northern and southern script styles in both technique and artistic spirit.
The Yuan Ni Epitaph (full title: Biography of Yuan Ni, the General of the Northern Wei Dynasty, Military Commissioner of the Ganshu Town) was carved in the second month of the Zhengguang year (AD 520). It measures 72.5 cm in height and 62.5 cm in width and is now housed in the Shanghai Museum. In terms of calligraphy, it features precise brushwork, rounded strokes, and a smooth, elegant, and refined style, embodying the artistic spirit of Zhong Yao and Wang Xizhi while paving the way for the calligraphic styles of the Sui and Tang dynasties.