Yan Zhenqing Yan Shi Jia Miao Bei

Author: Fang Chuanxin
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2001-12-01
Features: Yan Zhenqing (709–785 AD), styled Qingchen, was a native of Langya Linyi (now Linyi County, Shandong Province), a prominent calligrapher of the mid-Tang Dynasty. He passed the imperial examination during the Kaiyuan era and held positions such as censor, minister of rites, governor of Pingyuan, assistant tutor to the crown prince, and was posthumously honored as Grand Tutor and Duke of Lu. During An Lushan's rebellion, Yan raised an army to suppress the uprising and was appointed as the leader of the anti-An alliance. Later generations revered him as "Yan Pingyuan" or "Yan Luguang." His calligraphy pioneered a new era, renowned for its grandeur, vigor, richness, openness, and majesty, and has remained influential for over a thousand years. Yan Zhenqing left behind numerous masterpieces, including the meticulously structured Taobao Ta (Multi-Buddha Pagoda Stele), the powerful and tightly knit Magonxian Tanji (Record of the Immortal Maogu's Altar), the elegant and flowing Guojia Miao Bei (Stele of Guo Family Temple), and the clear, majestic, and refined Dongfang Huazan (Praise of Dongfang Shuo). Among these, the Yan Qinli Bei (Stele of Yan Qinli) was written in his later years, marking the period when his calligraphy reached full maturity. Currently, this stele is housed in the Xi'an Stele Forest and is also known as the Four-Sided Stele due to its four-sided carving. Each side has 24 lines, with 47 characters per line on the front and back, and 6 lines per side with 52 characters per line on the sides. The Yan Shima Miao Bei (Stele of Yan's Family Temple) was created when Yan was 72 years old, showcasing bold brushwork and dense structure, making it one of his most complete stele works and representing the highest achievement of Yan-style regular script. This book is part of the Classic Steles and Rubbings series in China. It features the Yan Shima Miao Bei by the Tang Dynasty calligrapher Yan Zhenqing. The book is beautifully printed, capturing the essence of the original work, making it an excellent model for calligraphy enthusiasts studying regular script.