Zhang Menglong Stele Collection of Tang Poems

Author: Qiu Anzong
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2003-01-01
Features: The "Zhang Menglong Stele" was erected in the Zhengguang third year (A.D. 522) of Emperor Xiaoming of Wei. It is now located in the Confucius Temple in Qufu, Shandong. It commemorates the virtue of the Zhang family as the governor of Lujun, who governed the people with propriety, transformed customs with music, and constructed schools. Through building academies and upholding rituals, they restored moral order and brought great prosperity to the region. At that time, Buddhism was rampant, but the Zhang family bravely opposed superstition and implemented moral and musical education, a truly commendable feat. The local people, moved by his virtuous governance, erected this stele in gratitude, hoping to preserve his legacy. The stele contains 26 lines, each with 46 characters, with the title "The Clear Praise Stele for Zhang Menglong, Governor of Lujun in Wei" inscribed in 12 characters, all in square calligraphy. This volume is part of the "Poetry Selection Series," featuring the writing and reading of Tang poems using characters from the Northern Wei "Zhao Menglong Stele." The "Zhao Menglong Stele" is renowned for its vigorous and clear brushwork, with strong and thick strokes, and is celebrated as a masterpiece of Northern Wei calligraphy, widely admired and revered by calligraphy enthusiasts. This volume selects 15 seven-character quatrains by poets such as Li Bai, He Zhizhang, Du Fu, and Wang Changling, accompanied by colloquial translations to interpret the poetry. It allows readers to appreciate the artistic beauty of the poems while writing them, meeting diverse needs in traditional art learning and appreciation. Additionally, the introduction of writing styles and the use of the rice-grid method bring great convenience to beginners.