China’s National Cultural Heritage Administration (NCHA) has made an exciting announcement – the release of a comprehensive catalog containing 1,658 significant ancient stone inscriptions and carvings. This grand unveiling is a crucial step towards strengthening the preservation and effective management of these priceless artifacts, reflecting the profound economic, societal, scientific, and technological advancements of China’s rich history.
The catalog is a chronological documentation of Chinese history, representing 18 major historical periods stretching from the Warring States Period (475BC-221BC) to the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). It encapsulates various categories of relics, such as steles, tablets, tomb epitaphs, and cliff carvings, marking an intersection of calligraphy, painting, and sculpture art.
The compilation process involved sifting through hundreds of cultural artifacts nationwide, with Beijing and the provinces of Shaanxi, Shandong, and Henan contributing the most entries. Notably, it includes 1,148 stone inscriptions and carvings from the Song Dynasty (960-1279) and earlier periods, serving as historical records of the evolution, notable script styles, calligraphic trends, techniques, and schools of ancient Chinese calligraphy.
An intriguing feature of the catalog is the diversity of scripts it includes, from the pre-Qin (221BC -207BC) characters to the Standard, Clerical, and Cursive scripts. These pieces of art act as historical evidence of the cultural exchanges and integration among different ethnic groups in ancient China.
Furthermore, the catalog encompasses inscriptions in 13 languages such as Chinese, Tibetan, Mongolian, Manchu, and Uighur. A stele commemorating the friendly relations between the Tang Dynasty (618-907) and the Tubo Kingdom stands out as a significant symbol of unity between the Han and Tibetan ethnic groups.
In light of this launch, the NCHA has disclosed plans to formulate relevant policies and execute projects to enhance the preservation and utilization of ancient stone inscriptions and carvings comprehensively. The release of this catalog signifies a milestone in promoting the appreciation of China’s rich cultural heritage and preserving its historical footprint for future generations.
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