Chinese Stele Classics -- Inscription of Opening the Baoxia Road

Author: Shanghai Shuhua Publishing House
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2004-01-01
Features: This book is part of the Classic Inscriptions Series of China. It includes the Eastern Han Dynasty stele "The Inscription of Opening the Baoxia Road," also known as "The Great Opening," with the full name "The Inscription of the Han Ruler Opening the Baoxia Road." Carved in the 16th year of the Yongping era of the Eastern Han Dynasty, it is written in clerical script with 16 lines, each containing 5 to 11 characters. The stone is located in the Shimen Xi Valley on the northern side of Baocheng, Shaanxi, and is one of the earliest extant cliff inscriptions from the Eastern Han Dynasty. During the Song Dynasty, the stone was discovered by Yan Mao, the magistrate of Nanzheng, who inscribed the text next to it. However, it was later covered by moss and remained unknown for over 600 years until it was rediscovered in the Qing Dynasty and returned to circulation. The calligraphy of this stele primarily uses round brushwork, incorporating elements of seal script, and is similar in style to the inscriptions "The Inscription of Shimen" and "The Inscription of Yang Hua's Tribute" in Baocheng. However, it differs in composition, presenting an outwardly tight yet inwardly loose structure with a full and powerful aura. "The Inscription of Shimen" has an inwardly tight yet outwardly loose composition, with an expansive and extraordinary aura, showing uniqueness amidst simplicity. "The Inscription of Opening the Baoxia Road" is one of the largest characters in Han Dynasty clerical script steles, second only to "The Inscription of Great Happiness Buying Land." The distinction between large characters and small characters lies in the emphasis on aura—their lines and overall layout naturally complement the size of the characters, creating a harmonious and unified flow. The book is printed with high quality, accurately reproducing the original work, making it an excellent model for calligraphy enthusiasts.