Zhang Shou Stele - (Special Collection of Rare Books and Manuscripts, National Library of China. Selected Steles and Inscriptions Collected by Liang Qichao)

Author: Ji Yaping
Publisher:
Publication Date: 2006-06-01
Features: The "Zhang Shou Stele" is a special collection of the National Library's Rare Books and Manuscripts Department, one of the selected steles and inscriptions by Liang Qichao. This collection features famous steles and inscriptions created by Liang Qichao, with meticulous printing techniques, prioritizing Ming or Qing Dynasty (Qianlong and Jiaqing reigns) editions. It also includes Liang Rengong's own annotations, providing historical and literary context. The collection is beneficial for calligraphy enthusiasts to study ancient classics, for those interested in stone inscriptions and documents to cross-reference and verify, and for scholars researching Liang Rengong to broaden their perspectives and discover new historical facts. This particular stele is the "Zhang Shou Stele." The "Zhang Shou Stele," in full "Han Bamboo County Marquis Zhang Shou Stele," was erected in the fifth month of the first year of the Jianning era (168 AD) during the Eastern Han Dynasty. The stele contains 180 characters in clerical script and is now housed in the Confucius Temple in Chengwu County, Shandong Province. According to Song Dynasty records, the stele was originally carved on Mount Guwen (now Chengwu County) in Shandong, also known as Yunting Mountain. During the Ming Dynasty, it was repurposed as a stele base. In the 56th year of the Qianlong era (1791), Lin Shaolong, the county magistrate of Chengwu, discovered it and embedded a wooden plaque at the base, relocating it to the Confucius Temple and the county school. Hong Shu's "Lishu" records the full text of the stele, with a title of 542 characters, with 14 missing. The stele praises Zhang Shou, who styled himself Zhongwu, an expert in classical studies. According to Hong Shu's records, Zhang Shou passed the imperial examination as a xiaolian, served as a Langzhong and Jige Yeshi, was promoted to the post of Bamboo County Marquis, later resigned, and was later appointed as a subordinate of the Minister of Works. He passed away in the fifth month of the Jianning era at the age of 80. Because his courtesy name was Zhongwu, this stele is also known as the "Zhang Zhongwu Stele." The stele features square and balanced characters, with a compact center and expansive sides, predominantly using square strokes, and exhibits a pure, ancient, and robust style.