Zhongnanshan: Brick Pagoda Inscription

CHINA, Shaanxi, Xi’an; Tang dynasty

This brick pagoda inscription was excavated from the Pianzi Valley of Zhongnanshan (Far South Mountain) in Shaanxi. The original inscribed text consists of 17 lines containing 17 characters each. It was broken into three pieces when it was first discovered during the late Ming dynasty (1368–1644). Subsequently, it broke further into five, and then seven pieces. As a result, no complete rubbing exists. The text was composed by Shangguan Lingzhi, and Jing Ke scripted the calligraphy. The Qing dynasty (1644–1911) calligrapher, Wang Shu once remarked, “Jing Ke was not famous during his time. His calligraphic style was lean but strong, and similar to that of Chu Suiliang. As the great calligraphers during the Tang dynasty, many were inevitably overshadowed by more prominent artists.
Brick inscription was popular during the Wei, Jin, and Six Dynasties (220–589). The production process includes molding, carving, and writing, and there was a vast variety in character form and style. After the Sui (581–618) and Tang (618–907) dynasties, however, brick inscription declined in popularity and, as a result, the diversity of calligraphic styles lessened. The strokes in this inscription are lean, strong, and elegant, much like the works of the famed Chu Suiliang. As an exquisitely carved artifact with delicate brushstrokes, this inscribed work is a fine example of Tang-style brick inscriptions on bricks.