Yan Zhenqing's Treasure Pagoda Stele Famous Stele of the Sui and Tang Dynasties

Author: Yan Zhenqing
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2001-01-01
Features: "The Stele of the Treasure Pagoda" (《》) was established in April of the 11th year of the Tianbao era in the Tang Dynasty. Cen Xun wrote the inscription, Yan Zhenqing calligraphed it, and Xu Hao inscribed the title. The stele is now located in the Stele Forest of Xi'an, Shaanxi. It is in regular script, with 34 lines, each containing 66 characters.
Yan Zhenqing was a native of Jingzhao County, Chang'an, during the reign of Emperor Zhongzong of the Tang Dynasty to Emperor Zhenyuan of the Tang Dynasty. He passed the imperial examination in the Kaiyuan era and served as the Court Attendant to the Imperial Secretariat. He was disliked by Yang Guozhong and was dismissed as the Governor of Pingyuan County, hence known as Yan Pingyuan. During the An Lushan Rebellion, he resisted the rebels in Pingyuan and was appointed as the leader of the alliance. Later, he entered the capital and held positions such as Minister of Personnel and Grand Tutor of the Heir Apparent, becoming the Duke of Luxun. In the reign of Emperor Zhenyuan, when Li Xili rebelled, he was sent to persuade the rebel but was detained by Li Xili. Despite his loyalty and integrity, he was strangled to death and was later praised for his righteousness. His calligraphy initially drew from his family's style and later from the techniques of Chu Suiliang and Zhang Xu. His regular script is dignified and majestic, with an expansive and bold style; his running script is vigorous and dynamic, marking a significant change in traditional calligraphic methods and establishing a unique style known as the "Yan Style," which has been revered throughout history. He had a profound influence on later generations and is considered one of the most outstanding calligraphers in Chinese calligraphy history. Many of his calligraphic works have been passed down to this day.