Chinese Calligraphy: From Clerical Script to Standard Script
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Inscription of the Yi Ying Stele (detail), Eastern Han dynasty, 153, Gift of Mr. Takashima Kikujirō
Asian Gallery (Toyokan) Room 8
April 12, 2022 (Tue) - June 26, 2022 (Sun)Chinese script was first standardized during the reign of the Qin emperor (221–206 BC). This so-called seal script was replaced by the less complicated clerical script of the Eastern Han dynasty (25–220). From the Three Kingdoms period (220–289) to the Northern and Southern dynasties (439–589), clerical script was further simplified to what is now known as standard script.
In this exhibition we are introducing ink rubbings showing the development from clerical script to standard script from the 1st century BC to the 9th century AD.
| Designation | Name | Creation/ Excavation/ Provenance |
Period | Acquisition/ Ownership/ Accession Number |
CMT | ||
| Highlight | Inscription of the Lai Zihou Stele | China | Xin dynasty, 16 | TB-288 | On exhibit through May 22, 2022 | ||
| Highlight | Inscriptions of the Yanta Pagoda Steles | By Chu Suiliang (596–658), China | Tang dynasty, 653 | Gift of Mr. Takashima Kikujirō, TB-1363 | On exhibit from May 24, 2022 | ||
| Highlight | Stele Inscription at the Pagoda at Qianfusi Temple | By Yan Zhenqing (709–785), China | Tang dynasty, 752 | Gift of Mr. Takashima Kikujirō, TB-1371 | On exhibit from May 24, 2022 | ||
| Highlight | Inscription of the Yi Ying Stele | Hanging scroll | China | Eastern Han dynasty, 153 | Gift of Mr. Takashima Kikujirō, TB-1349 | On exhibit through May 22, 2022 | |
| Highlight | Inscription of the Stele of Mt. Hua Shrine | By Zhao Wenyuan (dates unknown), China | Northern Zhou dynasty, 567 | TB-603 | On exhibit through May 22, 2022 | ||
| Highlight | Longhua Temple Stele Inscription | China | Sui dynasty, circa 608 | TB-307 | On exhibit from May 24, 2022 | ||
| Highlight | Stele Inscription Commemorating the Achievements of Yi Fu | By Shi Weize (dates unknown), China | Tang dynasty, 736 | TB-208 | On exhibit through May 22, 2022 | ||
| Highlight | Record of the Creation of Wei Lingzang's Buddhist Statue | China | Northern Wei dynasty, circa 500–503 | Gift of Mr. Imaizumi Yusaku, TB-670 | On exhibit from May 24, 2022 |