Classics of Chinese Stele and Inscriptions -- Four Epitaphs of the Sima Family

Author: Shanghai Shuhua
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2003-09-18
Features: The Four Stele Inscriptions of the Sima Family includes The Stele Inscription of Sima Yuaxing, The Stele Inscription of Sima Jinghe, The Stele Inscription of Sima Jinghe's Wife Meng Shi, and The Stele Inscription of Sima Sheng. The three stele inscriptions of Sima Bian, Sima Shao (Sima Bian's father), and Sima Sheng (a clan member), along with Sima Bian's wife Meng Shi's stele inscription, were unearthed in Geli Village, northeast Meng County, Henan Province, in the 20th year of the Qianlong reign (1755) of the Qing Dynasty. Together, they are known as The Four Stele Inscriptions of the Sima Family. After their discovery, these four inscriptions were lost early on. The first rubbings were collected by Li Xun and Feng Minchang, and later, in the early years of the Guangxu reign, they were owned by Duan Fang, accompanied by postscripts by Luo Zhenyu. The Stele Inscription of Sima Yuaxing is also known as The Stele Inscription of Sima Shao. It is written in regular script, with 17 lines and 22 characters per line. The original stone is long lost, and the current version in circulation is a re-engraving by Tang Lingming. According to the Meng County Gazetteer, the original inscription had little damage, but the re-engraved version has suffered significant wear, especially in the lower part. This stele is considered a fine example of Northern Wei tomb inscriptions, characterized by square, sharp, and vigorous strokes, dense yet balanced in form, with subtle yet elegant variations in its composition. Its layout, with varying sizes and natural arrangement, is particularly noteworthy. From its tight and angular structure, it is evident that it foreshadows the style of the Tang Dynasty's Ou Kai regular script.