Han Cao Stele - Complete Copy

Author: Fang Chuanxin
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-06-01
Features: "Cao Quanbei," full name "Cao Quanbei of Heyang Commandery," erected in the second year of the Zhongping era (185) during the Eastern Han Dynasty, in clerical script with twenty lines, each containing forty-five characters. The back of the stele is still intact and is now preserved in the Stele Forest of Xi'an, Shaanxi. The stele features balanced brushwork, an open yet graceful and varied style, combining both square and round strokes with a predominance of round ones. It exudes inner vitality, blending softness with strength, with particularly prominent silkworm sand and wild goose tail strokes. Its method of rendering wave-like strokes is remarkably similar to that of the "Shimen Sòng." Since its discovery in Heyang at the beginning of the early Wanli era of the Ming Dynasty, it has been highly regarded by calligraphers.
Qing Dynasty scholar Wan Jing praised the stele: "Exquisite and dynamic, unrestrained yet not rushed—truly a divine masterpiece."
Qing Dynasty scholar Sun Chengze remarked: "The calligraphy is vigorous, elegant, and refined, gracefully contrasting with the 'Lijingbei,' making it one of the greatest treasures among Han Dynasty steles."
There are three methods for practicing the "Cao Quanbei":
1. Prioritizing brush technique.
2. Focusing solely on strength.
3. Emphasizing posture.