Pen technique, structure, and layout of the Northern Wei "Zhang Menglong Stele"

Author: Yan Meiling
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-10-01
Features: The "Zhang Menglong Stele" was carved in the third year of the Zhengguang era of the Northern Wei Dynasty (522 AD) and is located in the Confucius Temple in Qufu, Shandong. It bears no inscription of the calligrapher's name and is a stele praising Zhang Menglong. The calligraphy is vigorous and majestic. The Qing Dynasty (stone and metal scholar) Yang Shoujing praised it as: "Well-refined and square, with extraordinary fluidity on the back." He also commented: "The calligraphy is ancient and (subtle), with a balance of novelty and tradition, which is why the Six Dynasties surpassed the Tang Dynasty in calligraphy."