Calligraphy Classics Series Vol. 18: Monk Meng Stele (Tenrai Shoin)

The Meng Fa Shi Stele (642) is a monument in tribute to the virtues of the female Taoist priest Meng Jingsu. It is a representative example of regular script by Suiliang, one of the three great masters of the early Tang Dynasty. Wang Wenzhi of the Qing Dynasty described it as "ancient yet profound" (exuding the simplicity of ancient people, quiet and profound). The characters are flat or square, characterized by thick lines and rich, generous character shapes. Hidai Tenrai once recommended that beginners study this monument. A copy of Tenrai's calligraphy remains. The monument was lost during the Ming Dynasty, and only one rubbing remains.

Table of Contents

Features of this series / What is copying classical calligraphy? / About cursive writing / Illustrations / Interpretations, Japanese translations, and outlines / Modern Japanese translations / Commentary / About brush strokes / Character shapes and stroke order / For creating calligraphy works (sections suitable for copying)