Antiquities of Stele and Manuscripts Through the Ages: Han

Author: Huang Chun
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2003-03-01
Features: The "Cao Quanbei," formally titled "Han Cao Quanyang County Magistrate Cao Quanbei Stele," also known as the "Cao Jingwan Stele," was erected in the second year of the Zhongping era of Emperor Ling of the Eastern Han Dynasty (185 AD). It was unearthed in the early years of the Wanli era of the Ming Dynasty in present-day Heyang County, Shaanxi. After breaking and losing characters in the post-Kangxi era of the Qing Dynasty (1672 AD), it was moved to the Xi'an Stele Forest in 1956. The stele is written in clerical script, with twenty-four lines, each containing forty-five characters. On the back, there are five columns of names with fifty-seven characters.
The "Cao Quanbei" features natural brushwork, sometimes thick and round, or slender and elegant. The serifs are sharp and flowing, with turns subtly blending sharp and round strokes, embodying both strength and grace. The calligraphy carries a strong influence of seal script, with many strokes starting in reverse and forming rounded ends, executed with a steady, smooth, and lustrous middle-stroke technique. The structure is primarily flat but also includes narrow and elongated forms, harmonizing vertical and horizontal elements while maintaining a rigorous yet adventurous and dynamic aesthetic.
The "Cao Quanbei" evokes the image of a well-proportioned, plump, graceful, and slender young woman, often regarded as the "Lanting Preface" of Han Dynasty clerical script. Qing Dynasty scholar Wan Jing praised its calligraphy as: "[Exquisite and dynamic, unrestrained yet not rushed—truly divine in quality]." Sun Tuigu also remarked: "[The characters are elegant and refined, gracefully mirroring the 'Liji Stele,' a peerless treasure among Han Dynasty steles]."
The "Cao Quanbei" is an essential model for studying clerical script and is therefore published in photolithography to delight and benefit all calligraphy enthusiasts.