Pei Xiu

CHINA, Henan, Jiyuan; Tang dynasty

Pei Xiu was a calligrapher from Jiyuan, Mengzhou (present day Henan), although some accounts record him as a native of Wenxi, Hedong (present day Shanxi). Starting his career as an imperial censor, Pei did mostly legislative and editorial work, but was eventually appointed as a Chancellor. He was a fair and righteous officer who was industrious in his work, serving as an outstanding adviser to Emperor Xuanzong (reigned 846–859) of the Tang dynasty.
As a devout Buddhist who studied Chan extensively, Pan assisted Chan Master Lingyou in establishing Miyin Temple in Hunan in 807. He was later requested to construct Tongqing Temple in Henan, which became the location for Master Lingyou’s retirement. When Master Chengguan, the Fourth Patriarch of the Huayan school passed away, Pei composed the text for the Stele of Xuanmi Pagoda, which was engraved by Liu Gongquan. He studied the Avatamsaka Sutra under Master Guifeng Zongmi and assisted in the compilation of his teachings. Pei also had a close relationship with Chan Master Huangbo Xiyun.
Skilled in both poetry and calligraphy, particularly in regular script, Pei wrote stele inscriptions for many Buddhist temples. His calligraphy work on the Stele of Master Guifeng Zongmi is regarded as an excellent work among Buddhist temple steles.