Han Zhang Qian Stele (Enlarged Edition)

Author: Tian Xuming
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2001-01-01
Features: The full title of this book is "Zhang Qian's Tribute," also known as "Zhang Qian's Inscription." This stele, titled "Zhang Qian's Inscription," was carved in the third year of the Zhongping period during the Eastern Han Dynasty (186 AD) in February. It was composed by the ancient official Wei Meng in memory of the former magistrate Zhang Qian. The stele was unearthed in the early Ming Dynasty. It is approximately 317 cm tall and 107 cm wide. The stele has two sides, with the header in seal script and the text in clerical script. The front side has fifteen lines, each with forty-two characters; the back side has three columns, with two upper columns each having nineteen lines and the lower column having three lines. The original stele was erected in Dongping County, Shandong Province, and is now preserved in the Tai Temple in Tai'an, Shandong Province. "The Stele of Zhang Qian" is renowned for its square, robust, and archaic yet powerful style. The calligraphy of this stele is characterized by steady and balanced strokes, incorporating sharp corners yet flowing smoothly. The characters vary in size and slant, displaying richness and diversity. The structure is straightforward yet elegant and refined, making it an outstanding representative of Han Dynasty clerical script steles. Beginners often find it challenging to copy this stele. To address this, the author conducted an experiment. Based on his study of the original stele, he referred to various published versions, copies, and related materials of "The Stele of Zhang Qian," made careful comparisons, and engaged in in-depth research. Subsequently, he meticulously reconstructed the original stele. The results show that the filled-in characters are clear and natural, with an effortless flow. Additionally, he enlarged and arranged the original stele, providing annotations in traditional and simplified characters, which undoubtedly brings great convenience to beginners. It is believed that the publication of this book will be of great help to those who are new to clerical script. The full title of this book is "Zhang Qian's Tribute," also known as "Zhang Qian's Inscription." "The Stele of Zhang Qian" is renowned for its square, robust, and archaic yet powerful style. The calligraphy of this stele is characterized by steady and balanced strokes, incorporating sharp corners yet flowing smoothly. The characters vary in size and slant, displaying richness and diversity. The structure is straightforward yet elegant and refined, making it an outstanding representative of Han Dynasty clerical script steles. Beginners often find it challenging to copy this stele. To address this, the author conducted an experiment. Based on his study of the original stele, he referred to various published versions, copies, and related materials of "The Stele of Zhang Qian," made careful comparisons, and engaged in in-depth research. Subsequently, he meticulously reconstructed the original stele. The results show that the filled-in characters are clear and natural, with an effortless flow. Additionally, he enlarged and arranged the original stele, providing annotations in traditional and simplified characters, which undoubtedly brings great convenience to beginners. It is believed that the publication of this book will be of great help to those who are new to clerical script.