Tang Yan Zhenqing's "Yan Qinli Stele"

Author: (Tang) Yan Zhenqing
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2003-01-01
Features: Yan Zhenqing (708–784), styled Qingchen, was a native of Linyi, Langya. He was enfeoffed as the Duke of Lubei and thus known as "Yan Luguang" in later generations. His calligraphy collection embodies the essence of the Two Wangs and the sages, actively absorbing the simplicity and innocence of folk calligraphy. Blending the past and present, embracing both northern and southern styles, he broke new ground and established a distinct school, revered by later generations as a master of calligraphy with epoch-making significance. His majestic, robust, and vigorous calligraphic style, along with his profound artistic realm, has been admired by posterity. Yan Qinli Stele is the most representative masterpiece of Yan Zhenqing's late calligraphic art. Gazing upon its style, it is elegant, classical, powerful, and unrestrained, showcasing the grand and majestic spirit of the "Yan style." This stele has become the best golden staircase for those who study calligraphy and aim to ascend the of calligraphic art, making the study of Yan Qinli Stele the necessary path to reach the highest realm of calligraphic art. Yan Zhenqing's calligraphic art has nurtured and inspired countless masters of calligraphy. The stele has 39 lines on the front, 5 lines on the side, and a total of 1,667 characters. Due to its long time buried underground, the characters are clear, the structure is complete, and it vividly demonstrates the fullness and richness of the "Yan style." The calligraphy of this stele is ancient and refined, remaining within the rules yet unrestrained in brushwork.