The Classics of Chinese Stele and Inscriptions -- Wang Jushi Brick Pagoda Inscription

Author: Compiled by the Editorial Department
Publisher:
Publication Date: 2001-06-01
Features: The Tang Dynasty was a period of maturity for Chinese regular script, characterized by strict adherence to rules, elegance, and balance. It set a standard for later generations, demonstrating proper conduct and discipline, and exerted an immeasurable influence. Especially for beginners, it is crucial to focus on steadiness and start with Tang regular script to ensure a solid foundation. From there, one can gradually progress to cursive and semi-cursive scripts, expressing uniqueness while embracing common principles—this is known as "understanding the constant to achieve transformation." Although Tang regular script was highly refined, Tang calligraphers exhibited diverse styles, ranging from slender and firm to plump and vigorous, round and smooth to square and strong. However, all shared a harmonious balance between form and substance. Beginners can choose freely based on their preferences. With dedicated study and practice, the benefits can last a lifetime.
Tang Dynasty calligraphers skilled in regular script were numerous, including both renowned figures and lesser-known artists. The Wang Jushi Brick Pagoda Inscription, written by Jing Ke, is a masterpiece by an anonymous calligrapher. The inscription is in regular script, with 17 lines and 17 characters per line, composed by Shang Lingzhi and calligraphed by Jing Ke. It was carved in the third year of the Xianqing era (658) during the reign of Emperor Gaozong of Tang. Due to its thin stone, the inscription suffered damage shortly after being unearthed, splitting into two, then three, then four, and finally into seven pieces. As a result, few complete and high-quality rubbings have survived.
The Tang Dynasty was a period of maturity for Chinese regular script, characterized by strict adherence to rules, elegance, and balance. It set a standard for later generations, demonstrating proper conduct and discipline, and exerted an immeasurable influence. Especially for beginners, it is crucial to focus on steadiness and start with Tang regular script to ensure a solid foundation. From there, one can gradually progress to cursive and semi-cursive scripts, expressing uniqueness while embracing common principles—this is known as "understanding the constant to achieve transformation."
The Tang Dynasty was a period of maturity for Chinese regular script, with complete adherence to rules, elegance, and balance. It set a standard for later generations and demonstrated proper conduct, exerting an immeasurable influence. Especially for beginners, it is essential to prioritize steadiness and start with Tang regular script to ensure a solid foundation. From there, one can gradually progress to cursive and semi-cursive scripts, expressing uniqueness while embracing common principles—this is the essence of "understanding the constant to achieve transformation."
In fact, although Tang regular script was highly refined, Tang calligraphers exhibited diverse styles, ranging from slender and firm to plump and vigorous, round and smooth to square and strong. However, all shared a harmonious balance between form and substance. Beginners can choose freely based on their preferences. With dedicated study and practice, the benefits can last a lifetime.
Tang Dynasty calligraphers skilled in regular script were numerous, including both renowned figures and lesser-known artists. The Wang Jushi Brick Pagoda Inscription, written by Jing Ke, is a masterpiece by an anonymous calligrapher. The inscription is in regular script, with 17 lines and 17 characters per line, composed by Shang Lingzhi and calligraphed by Jing Ke. It was carved in the third year of the Xianqing era (658) during the reign of Emperor Gaozong of Tang. Jing Ke's birth and death years remain unknown, and little is known about him. Both Baoke Congbian and Baoke Leibian do not mention him. However, he lived during a period of great flourishing in early Tang calligraphy, influenced by masters such as Yu Shennan, Ou Yangxun, and Chu Suiliang. As a result, Jing Ke's inscription was inevitably shaped by their styles. Qian Yong's inscription on the Wang Jushi Brick Pagoda Inscription reads: "The Wang Jushi Brick Pagoda Inscription recently circulated is either a fragmented original or a carved copy. Few rubbings of this quality and completeness exist. I have always believed that early Tang calligraphers each had their own unique styles. Jing Ke's work, however, combines the strengths of Ou Yangxun and Chu Suiliang while innovating independently—this is what makes it extraordinary."
Today, observing the inscription, one can see its exquisite regular script, elegant form, noble spirit, and graceful style. It deeply embodies the essence of Ou and Chu while maintaining its own originality, undoubtedly ranking among the finest Tang regular script works. Zhao Zhichen's inscription states: "Jing Ke's calligraphy rivals that of Ou, Yu, Chu, and Xue. Practitioners of regular script should regard it as an ultimate model."
The inscription was buried for over nine hundred years until the early Ming Dynasty, during the Wanli era, when it was unearthed. Due to its thin stone, it suffered damage shortly after being unearthed, splitting into two, then three, then four, and finally into seven pieces. As a result, few complete and high-quality rubbings have survived. Moreover, its refined and elegant style was deeply cherished by scholars, leading to numerous carved copies that even the finest originals could hardly distinguish.
Today, we present an early rubbing preserved by Zhao Shurun to the public, allowing all calligraphy enthusiasts to appreciate and study it.