Works and stone carvings of famous calligraphers and painters through the ages

Author: Liu Liangtao, Editor-in-Chief
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2005-01-01
Features: The Wang family of Wang Yuyang was exceptionally prosperous during the Ming and Qing dynasties. Among the descendants of Wang Yuyang's great-grandfather, Wang Chongguang, there were 31 scholars who passed the imperial examinations, 19 who held ranks of fifth grade or higher, and three who reached the second rank of officials. They were hailed as the "Jiangbei Qingxiang" (Northeastern Scholarly Family) and the "Qilu Noble Clan." In the 16th year of the Wanli era (1588) of the Ming Dynasty, the Zhongqin Temple of Wang Chongguang was completed, and many renowned scholars such as Xing Dong, Dong Qichang, Jiao Hong, Shen Shixing, Zhu Yunming, and others successively composed inscriptions and eulogies in praise of it. To preserve these for posterity and ensure they would endure through the ages, the Wang family had them inscribed on stone. Some of the most important eulogies, commendations, biographies, epitaphs, and inscriptions were selected from the works of calligraphers such as Zhu Zaiyuan, Wang Xizhi, Wang Xianzhi, Ouyang Xun, Yu Shennan, Chu Suiliang, Yan Zhenqing, Liu Gongquan, and Xiao Mengfu from before the Ming Dynasty. These were meticulously carved by skilled artisans from Jiangnan and displayed in the main hall for all generations to admire. Some of these inscriptions, though collected from existing works, were carefully chosen and crafted by the Wang family, achieving remarkable authenticity. Later, the descendants of the Wang family continued to gather and add more selected stone inscriptions to the temple, such as Northern Wei inscriptions, Sui Dynasty inscriptions, the "Red Cliff Ode" inscribed by the Chengqing Prince of the Qing Dynasty, the "Jingtao Spring" inscribed by Lin Zexu, and Wang Yuyang's own inscriptions of the "Hand Mirror" and "Quatrain." These additions further enriched the collection of stone inscriptions within the temple.
The Wang Yuyang Memorial Hall now preserves over 240 stone inscriptions. These represent the epitome of calligraphic and carving craftsmanship from the mid-to-late Ming Dynasty and are rare treasures of stone art. To promote calligraphy and fine arts and develop Yuyang culture, Comrade Liu Liangtao, under the guidance of Mr. Luo Zhewen, edited and compiled this bound volume, Calligraphy and Stone Inscriptions by Famous Masters Through the Ages, fulfilling a long-standing wish of Comrade Huan Tai. The publication of this book is undoubtedly beneficial, whether in terms of uncovering the treasures of Chinese calligraphy and fine arts or in preserving the nation's excellent cultural heritage.
Calligraphy and Stone Inscriptions by Famous Masters Through the Ages introduces and explains the works of renowned masters, with exquisite printing. It is both a delightful collection of ancient prose and an invaluable work of calligraphy. It will undoubtedly inspire and assist calligraphy enthusiasts in improving their writing and appreciation skills, enhancing their artistic cultivation, and drawing artistic inspiration. May everyone benefit from it.