Han Zhang Qian Stele: A Famous Calligraphy Masterpiece from Ancient China

Author: Nie Wenhao
Publisher:
Publish Date: 1997-07-01
Features: "The Stele of Zhang Qian of Han Dynasty," also known as "The Inscription Commemorating Zhang Jun of Gucheng and Dangyin in the Han Dynasty," was erected in Dongping County, Shandong Province, during the third year of the Zhongping era of Emperor Ling of the Han Dynasty (186 AD). It is one of the famous steles in ancient China. The calligraphy of "The Stele of Zhang Qian of Han Dynasty" is square in form, with a well-structured, dignified, and robust style, exuding a masculine energy. The brushwork is primarily bold, with simple yet forceful and steady strokes, incorporating elements of seal script. It possesses strong bone force and is particularly distinctive and skillful among Han Dynasty steles. The stele was unearthed during the Ming Dynasty, measuring approximately 317 cm in height and 107 cm in width. It has 15 lines, with 43 characters per line. The characters in the rubbing have been enlarged, and minor corrections have been made to the worn-out parts, aiming to provide a valuable reference for calligraphy scholars and enthusiasts for collection, appreciation, copying, and in-depth study.