Diamond Sutra in Wang Xizhi’s Calligraphy

CHINA; Tang dynasty

This stone rubbing of the Diamond Sutra, rendered in Wang Xizhi’s calligraphic style from the Song dynasty (960–1279), is an exceptionally rare work consisting of over 5000 characters. Only two versions of this rubbing remain today, one in the Shanghai Museum and the other within the collection of the Palace Museum in Beijing. A popular scripture in China, the Diamond Sutra inspired and assisted Master Huineng, the Sixth Patriarch of the Chan lineage, to attained enlightenment at the verse, “One should bring about the mind which does not abide anywhere.” This greatly elevated the emphasis on the study of this sutra. Monks of the Song dynasty were examined on the subjects expounded therein, exemplifying how valued this sutra was.
This rubbing of the Diamond Sutra is considered among the most highly appraised pieces of Buddhist calligraphic work. A significantly large volume of characters written in Wang Xizhi’s style is preserved in relatively good condition, with each character displaying a vigorous and forceful structure. Numerous calligraphic variations were explored while keeping true to the nature of the character. The rubbing provides a rich source of study of the Wang style of calligraphy, which in detailed overview, demonstrates a strong and seasoned expression that is coherent across the work. The rubbing is therefore considered a rare artifact among Buddhist sutras.
Wang Xizhi, also known as Yishao and Danzhai, was a distinguished calligrapher during the Eastern Jin dynasty (317–420). He studied widely from well-known calligraphic works of the past and initiated a scripting style that was sinuously elegant. Wang is regarded as one of the most esteemed Chinese calligraphers in history, even today.