Li Beibei: Precepts Platform Inscription of Shaolin Temple

Author: (Tang) Li Beibei
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-01-01
Features: Li Yong (687–747), styled Taihe, was a native of Jiangdu, Yangzhou. He held the position of Governor of Beibei and was thus posthumously known as "Li Beibei." His calligraphy was unparalleled in his time, and Li Yangbing praised him as the "Immortal Hand of Calligraphy." Li Beibei particularly blended the style of the "Southern Clippings" represented by the "Two Wangs" with the calligraphic style of Northern Wei, creating a unique style. The Inscription of the Precepts Platform in Shaolin Temple was written by Li Beibei at the age of thirty-eight, a prime and mature period in his life. It is considered a work of complete spiritual and artistic mastery and is also the smallest surviving handwriting of Li Beibei. Previous scholars have this stele as a forgery, but from an artistic perspective, its value is still considerable.