Han Zhang Qian Stele

Author: Ji Lin
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-01-01
Features: "The Zhang Qian Stele," also known as "The Eulogy for Zhang Qian of Gucheng County," is a stele erected in February of the third year of the Zhongping era (186 AD) during the reign of Emperor Ling of the Han Dynasty in Dongping County, Shandong Province. The stele stands 270 cm tall and 115 cm wide. The front face of the stele has fifteen lines, each containing forty-two characters, while the back face has three columns: the top two columns each have nineteen lines, and the bottom column has three lines. At the top, there is a seal script inscription on the stele titled "Eulogy for the Late Han Gucheng County Magistrate Zhang Jun," and the back face is inscribed with the names of those who funded its construction. Discovered in the early Ming Dynasty in Dongping County, Shandong Province, it is now preserved in the Tai'an Daimiao Temple in Shandong Province. The text on the stele records the life and deeds of Zhang Qian, the county magistrate, as remembered by his former subordinates, Wei Meng and others. The stele was unearthed relatively late but remains well-preserved.
The calligraphy of "The Zhang Qian Stele" primarily features square strokes, but also incorporates round ones. The strokes are rigorous and full yet not flat, strong and sturdy yet not stiff. The lines are straight yet vary in inclination and elevation. The structure is square and well-organized, yet simple and robust, balancing stability with dynamism. The external appearance is restrained, while the inner form is expansive. The characters vary in size without strict uniformity, with square and (bǎn - flat) forms following their natural tendencies. The overall layout has a harmonious correspondence between the top and bottom, and continuity from left to right. The stele exudes a broad and grand atmosphere, making it one of the finest examples of Han Dynasty steles. It has been highly praised by calligraphers throughout history.
Another noteworthy feature is the twelve-character seal script-inscribed title on the stele, which resembles seal script yet incorporates elements of clerical script. The strokes are tightly packed at the top and densely interwoven at the bottom, creating a dynamic and flowing style. The calligraphy combines the rounded turns of seal script with the sharp angles of clerical script, resulting in an exceptionally lively and elegant form. The structure is wide and flat, naturally and organically formed, making it an excellent example for studying Han Dynasty seal script.