Explanation of the calligraphy style of the Cao Quan Stele

Author: Sun Guangling Compiler
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2005-03-01
Features: Ethereal and divine, feel the rhythm of master calligraphers' brushwork; every stroke has its origin, grasp the mysteries of ink splashing and brush sweeping! The full title of "Cao Quanbei" is "Han Heyang County Magistrate Cao Quanbei Stele." It is also known as "Cao Jingwan Stele," as the praised person's name is "Quan" and his courtesy name is "Jingwan." This stele was carved in October 185 AD during the middle years of Emperor Ling of the Eastern Han Dynasty (Liu Hong). The name of the calligrapher is not inscribed at the end of the stele. In the early years of the Ming Dynasty's Wanli era (1574 AD), it was unearthed in Heyang, now Xingyang County, Shenxi Village, Shaanxi Province. After excavation, it was first stored in the Confucius Temple of Heyang. In 1956, it was moved to the Xi'an Stele Forest. "Cao Quanbei" is one of the exemplary steles of Eastern Han calligraphy. Its external appearance, calligraphic style, is smooth, elegant, and refined, without harshness or vulgarity. It is a model of exquisite and lustrous beauty. The calligrapher demonstrates a temperament that combines gentleness with strength, embodying both softness and resilience.