WANG XIZHI (321-379)

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WANG XIZHI (321-379)

A 12th Century Rubbing of Wang Xizhi's Running Script Calligraphy from the Shengjiao Xu Stele

Album of thirty-five leaves, ink on paper, each leaf measures 10¾ x 5½in. (27.5 x 14cm.)

The text includes:

a) The Preface and Narration of the Sacred Religion
The Preface was composed by Emperor Tang Taizong (reigned 627-649) and the Narration by Emperor Tang Gaozong (reigned 650-683)

b) The Heart Sutra as translated into Chinese by Monk Xuanzang (599-664)

Twenty two collectors' seals, including one of Wen Zhengming (1470-1559), three of Xiang Yuanbian (1525-1590), one of Dong Qichang (1555-1636), three of Yi Bingshou (1754-1815) and one of Guo Shangxian (1785-1832)

Eight colophons, including one each by Yao Nai (1731-1815), Pan Yijun (1740-1830), Yuan Yuan (1764-1849) and Guo Shangxian (1785-1832)

Lot Essay

This rubbing was taken from one of the most famous steles of Wang Xizhi's running script calligraphy. The stele, known as the Shengjiao Xu ("Preface of the Sacred Religion"), is in Xi'an. It was carved in 672 from tracings made of Wang Xizhi's calligraphy by Huairen, the Tang dynasty monk and calligrapher. This rubbing, which was made before the character ci was broken, probably dates to the 12th century.