Antiquities Selection of Fine Books and Inscriptions -- Wei Dynasty: Li Chao and Li Yi Stele and Epitaph

Author: Xiao Cang
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2002-02-01
Features: Wei Li Yi's epitaph, not recorded in any literature. The form and size are unknown. This copy is a mounted one, consisting of eight sheets. In regular script, totaling 382 characters. Carved in the first year of the Zhengguang era of the Northern Wei Dynasty (520). This book exhibits a dignified and rigorous structure, with bold and forceful strokes. It is a fine example of Northern Wei epitaphs.
Wei Li Chao's epitaph, in regular script, with 26 lines, 26 characters per line, divided by checkerboard patterns. Carved in the sixth year of the Zhengguang era of the Northern Wei Dynasty (525). The original stone was unearthed in Qiaojia Village, Yanshi, Henan. The excavation likely occurred in the middle to late late Qing Dynasty. The epitaph features a majestic and beautiful script, elegant and well-structured, making it a fine example of Northern Wei epitaphs and highly valued by later calligraphers. Although Li Chao's epitaph rubbing is relatively widely circulated, it was made in the late Qing Dynasty. This rubbing is the first edition of the character "" from the book Linggu Shi Yi, where the character is still intact.