Introduction
The Confucius Temple Stele, or Kongzi Miaotang Bei, is one of the most renowned works in the history of calligraphy, executed in the Square Style (楷書) by the prominent calligrapher Yu Shinan during the Tang Dynasty. Yu Shinan was commissioned by Emperor Taizong (Li Shimin) to create this stele to honor Confucius’s thoughts and the spirit of Confucianism. The Confucius Temple Stele transcends mere inscriptions, symbolizing the ideals of Confucianism and continuing to influence generations of calligraphers.
This article will delve into the historical background of the stele, Yu Shinan’s life and calligraphic style, the content of the inscription, and its cultural significance.
Historical Background of the Confucius Temple Stele
The Revival of Confucianism and Emperor Taizong’s Policies
As the ruler of the newly established dynasty that ended the Northern and Southern Dynasties, Emperor Taizong aimed to re-establish Confucianism as the state religion and foundation for governance. Part of this initiative involved the renovation of the Confucius Temple in Chang’an, where he dedicated efforts to promote Confucian teachings. During Taizong’s reign, Confucianism became the cornerstone of the state’s moral standards, guiding social order based on Confucius’s philosophies.
The Confucius Temple Stele was erected to commemorate the completion of the temple’s renovation and the revival of Confucianism, highlighting the enduring nature of Confucius’s teachings. The inscription reflects the universal values of Confucian ethics and morals, symbolizing the political stability and cultural prosperity of the Tang Dynasty.
Yu Shinan: A Master of Tang Dynasty Square Style
Life and Achievements
Yu Shinan was born in 558 in the Southern Chen dynasty and lived through the tumultuous transition from the Sui to Tang dynasties as a calligrapher and scholar. Born into a prestigious family in Yuyao, Zhejiang Province, he displayed exceptional intelligence from a young age, deepening his scholarship by studying the calligraphic techniques of Wang Xizhi and Wang Xianzhi. Particularly in the Square Style, he demonstrated extraordinary skills, inheriting the essence of Wang Xizhi while establishing his own refined style.
His life took a significant turn when he served Emperor Taizong, who highly valued Yu Shinan’s virtue and scholarship, praising him as a person possessing the “five excellences” of virtue, loyalty, erudition, eloquence, and calligraphy. It was under this trust that the creation of the Confucius Temple Stele was entrusted to him.
Characteristics of His Calligraphy and the Completion of Square Style
Yu Shinan’s calligraphy is characterized by a balanced, elegant composition and a brushstroke that is both gentle and powerful. His Square Style demonstrates meticulous attention to the start and end points of strokes, with an exquisitely arranged placement of dots and lines. The smooth flow of the brushwork and the natural harmony among the components of the characters accentuate the beauty of his work.
This Square Style embodies not just formal beauty but also visually represents the Confucian ideals of “moderation” and “harmony,” thus materializing the spirit of Confucianism in written form. Compared to other calligraphers of the Tang Dynasty, Yu Shinan’s work conveys a sense of calm and dignity.
The Inscription of the Confucius Temple Stele and Its Cultural Significance
Structure and Content of the Inscription
The inscription of the Confucius Temple Stele praises Confucius’s virtues and details the historical development of Confucianism and the significance of the temple within the Tang Dynasty. It centers on the fundamental teachings of Confucianism, such as “ren” (benevolence), “yi” (righteousness), and “li” (ritual), emphasizing their alignment with the governance principles of the Tang dynasty.
The inscription references Sima Qian’s “Records of the Grand Historian” and the sayings of Confucius, highly evaluating his role as a moral leader. It underscores how Confucius’s teachings established the moral foundation of society and their importance in people’s lives. This content reflects the re-evaluation of Confucianism during the Tang Dynasty and the intention to apply Confucius’s teachings to state governance.
Re-evaluation of Confucianism in the Tang Dynasty and the Role of the Confucius Temple Stele
The revival of Confucianism in the Tang Dynasty was further reinforced by the existence of the Confucius Temple Stele. The inscription illustrates that Confucianism was not merely an ideological system but a crucial pillar supporting politics and culture. The stele served as a symbol for the rulers of the Tang dynasty, solidifying the state’s governance philosophy and stabilizing social order.
Moreover, the teachings of Confucius inscribed on the stele were widely inherited and continued to influence later Confucian studies and educational systems. The Confucius Temple Stele also functioned as a textbook for scholars and officials to learn and understand Confucianism.
Preservation of the Confucius Temple Stele and Its Impact on Future Generations
Loss of the Original Stone and History of Re-carving
The original stone of the Confucius Temple Stele was lost shortly after its establishment due to a fire. Subsequently, during the reign of Empress Wu Zetian, the stele was re-carved, but even the re-carved versions were lost over time, and all existing copies have been reproduced in later periods. Notably, the “Shaanxi Edition” and “Chengwu Edition” re-carved during the Song Dynasty remain and play an essential role in preserving and studying the inscription.
Weng Fanggang’s Research and Evaluation of the Inscription
The Qing dynasty calligraphy theorist Weng Fanggang conducted detailed research on the Confucius Temple Stele, performing meticulous analyses based on rubbings of the original stone. His research examined the forms of the characters and the arrangement of the strokes, revealing the characteristics of Yu Shinan’s brushwork. Thanks to Weng Fanggang’s efforts, the Confucius Temple Stele is regarded as a valuable resource for future calligraphy studies.
Conclusion
The Confucius Temple Stele stands as a pinnacle of Square Style during the Tang Dynasty, shining brightly in the history of Chinese calligraphy. This inscription is not merely evaluated as a work of calligraphy but has also visually expressed the teachings of Confucius, continually influencing Tang-era culture and politics. Yu Shinan’s calligraphic style is a remarkable culmination of high morality, scholarship, and calligraphic skill developed throughout his life.
Through this masterpiece, we can understand how Confucius’s teachings were positioned at the heart of Chinese culture and continue to have an impact through the ages. The Confucius Temple Stele remains a cultural heritage that inspires many even today through the fusion of Confucianism and calligraphy.
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