Initial Exploration of the Han Dynasty Cao Quan Stele

Author: Liu Jianchao, Editor-in-Chief
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-05-01
Features: Caoquan Stele. Full name "Han Heyang Caoquan Stele." In regular script. The stele is 253 cm tall and 123 cm wide. Erected in October of the second year of the Zhongping era during the Eastern Han Dynasty. Discovered in the old city of Heyang, Shaanxi, in the early years of the Wanli era of the Ming Dynasty. Currently located in the Stele Forest of Xi'an, Shaanxi. The Caoquan Stele can be considered a renowned piece among the surviving Han Dynasty steles.
Sun Chengze in his "Gengzi Xiaxia Ji" wrote: "The calligraphy is vigorous, elegant, and exudes a graceful charm, shining in contrast to the Liji Stele. It is truly the treasure among Han stone inscriptions."
Yang Shoujing in his "Praise of Steles" remarked: "Many predecessors praised its excellent calligraphy, even comparing it to the Hanxun Stele and Loushou Stele, but this may not be appropriate. I once consulted Ruichu, who said: 'In regular script, the Caoquan Stele is akin to the Zhaoming (Zhao Mengfu) and Dongqichang (Dong Qichang) in running script.' Truly, he spoke the truth."
This book's rubbing of the Caoquan Stele features calligraphy as clear as the original carving. The strokes are distinct, and the traces of brushwork are visible, surpassing the various versions available on the market.