Yan Zhenqing Dictionary

Author: (Japanese) Ishibashi Risho
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2004-06-01
Features: This book categorizes and organizes the calligraphy of Yan Zhenqing (Jinglong 3rd Year to Zhenyuan 1st Year) from the Tang Dynasty. The arrangement of the main entries follows the principle of the Kangxi Dictionary. For each character, the calligraphy is presented in regular script, running script, and cursive script in order of the title character. In principle, only well-preserved characters are selected for inclusion. Unclear characters had to be excluded. However, the book features the inclusion of outstanding characters that are deemed necessary, even if they are somewhat unclear. The materials selected are carefully curated from excellent works. The rubbing texts are published in reverse black-and-white. For similar styles of characters from the same source, the most important ones are chosen. For the Ganlu Character Book, which includes many special examples (abbreviated characters, ancient characters, vernacular characters, variant characters), entries that differ from the meaning of the title character are generally omitted. However, variant characters found in other sources like epitaphs are appropriately included. Regarding character size, small and medium-sized characters in works such as the Magona Immortal Platform Record, Draft of Eulogy for My Nephew, and Draft of Seated Debate are mostly presented in their original size. Most other characters were not included in later editions. However, for ease of appreciation, appropriate corrections have been made to stains and defects around the characters. From a total of 28,257 characters, 18,430 were strictly selected for inclusion, with each character marked with its source. For the convenience of readers, a comprehensive index is appended at the end of the volume.