Zhang Kerang

CHINA; Yuan dynasty

Zhang Kerang was a famous stele carver who is attributed with having led a group of artists in the creation of the Stele Commemorating Chan Master Xi’an at Lingyan Temple in Shandong. The inscription was written by monk Shogen, abbot of Hozenji Temple in Japan, for Chan Master Xi’an, the 39th abbot of Lingyan Temple. The stele is documented in Records of the Qing Dynasty and Interpretation of the History of Chinese Culture.
Chan Master Xi’an was the abbot of Lingyan Temple and later, the abbot of Shaolin Monastery in Dengfeng, Henan. Shogen came to China to learn about the Dharma in 1327 and for 12 years he traveled the country, visiting many sacred Buddhist sites. He eventually became the head monk at Shaolin Temple, where he established a good relationship with Xi’an. Consequently, this stele contains valuable information concerning the exchange between China and Japan during the Yuan dynasty (1271–1368).