Qifa Temple: Stele

CHINA, Hubei, Xiangyang; Sui dynasty

This 1,500-character stele inscription was composed by Zhoubiao, scripted by Ding Daohu, and carved by Li Bao. It records the story of Wei Shikang, the governor of Qizhou who rebuilt Qifa Temple under an imperial order in the year 584. The original stele was kept by Li Zonghan of the Qing dynasty (1644–1911), but has since been lost and only rubbings remain. While in Li’s possession, it was known as one of the Linchuan Four Treasures, along with three other steles.
Ding Daohu was a calligrapher of the Sui dynasty (581–618), who was known for his works in regular script. The calligraphy of this particular stele is straight and even, containing a rhythmic rise and fall of strokes comprised of thin horizontal lines. Lugong of the Qing dynasty commented, “In observing the technique, which eliminates the stylistic tendencies of the Six Dynasties, it is found to be extraordinary in its simplicity.”