Han Yuan'an, Yuan Chao Stele

Author: Editorial Group of Selected Calligraphic Works from Ancient Stele Collections
Publisher:
Publish Date: 1994-01-01
Features: "The Stele of Yuan An, Vice Minister of Han Dynasty" (abbreviated as "Yuan An Stele") is approximately 153 cm tall and 74 cm wide, written in seal script with ten lines, each containing fifteen characters. The lower part is damaged, with one character missing from each line, so the complete stele should have sixteen characters per line. The stele aperture is located between the fifth and sixth lines, a unique feature among Han Dynasty steles. It was discovered in Xincun Village, 28 li south of the city of Yanshi County, Henan Province, in 1929, but the original site of the stele is unknown. "The Stele of Yuan Chao, Vice Minister of Han Dynasty" (abbreviated as "Yuan Chao Stele") is similar in size and form to the "Yuan An Stele." It is written in seal script with ten lines, with varying characters per line (five to nine) due to upper and lower breaks. The stele aperture is also located between the fifth and sixth lines. It was unearthed in spring 1923 in Yanshi County, Henan Province. In 1925, it was purchased by Luo Zhenyu and is now housed in the Liaoning Provincial Museum. The "Yuan An Stele" and "Yuan Chao Stele" share the same seal script style, as if written by the same hand, with broad structures and vigorous brushwork. This book is published in a photolithographic edition based on the earliest (original prints) to provide reference and practice materials for calligraphy enthusiasts.