Imperial Calligraphy Stele of Emperor Huizong of Song

Imperial Calligraphy Stele of Emperor Huizong of Song

The Imperial Calligraphy Stele of Emperor Huizong of Song is a cultural relic protection unit of Haishu District.

The Imperial Calligraphy Stele of Emperor Huizong of Song is located within Guangde Nunnery in Jishigang Town, Haishu District. On April 5, 2005, it was designated as a district-level cultural relic protection unit.

There are two steles in total. The first one features the inscription “Proclaimed Imperial Calligraphy” on its top tablet and was erected in the eighth year of the Zhenghe era of the Song Dynasty (1118). Its content includes the petition by Lou Yi (the prefect of Mingzhou in the Song Dynasty) regarding the abolition of Guangde Lake and the reclamation of the lake bed for farmland, along with the emperor’s (Huizong’s) reply. The stele is 2.80 meters tall, 1.12 meters wide, and 0.29 meters thick; the full text consists of 16 lines, each with about 20 characters. The top of the stele is semi-circular, and within the central rectangular frame is an incised carving of the four characters “Proclaimed Imperial Calligraphy.” The surrounding area is adorned with a pair of high-relief, hornless coiled dragons, with their heads facing downward, their bodies covered in intricately carved, rounded scales, giving off a majestic aura. The sides of the stele are decorated with finely engraved cloud-and-dragon borders that spiral elegantly. The text is written in vertically segmented sections from top to bottom; while the lower part is mostly faded and difficult to read, the upper portion remains clear. The second stele has the inscription “Imperial Calligraphy” on its top tablet and was erected in the ninth year of the Zhenghe era (1119). Its content includes an imperial decree from Emperor Huizong to Lou Yi, the then-prefect of Mingzhou, regarding the construction of the Goryeo Embassy. This stele stands 1.37 meters tall, 1.10 meters wide, and 0.29 meters thick; the full text contains 13 lines, each with approximately 26 characters. The top is also semi-circular, and within the central rectangular frame is an incised carving of the two characters “Imperial Calligraphy.” The carvings around the frame and the engraved cloud-and-dragon borders on both sides are nearly identical to those on the “Proclaimed Imperial Calligraphy” stele. The text is written in segmented sections from top to bottom and from left to right. Though there are slight signs of natural weathering, the overall text remains legible. In addition to several petitions and their original replies, what stands out prominently is a reply letter from Emperor Huizong Zhao Ji.

The calligraphy on the stele is slender, firm, and graceful—characteristic of Emperor Huizong’s distinctive “Slender Gold” script. The brushwork is swift and fluid, with precise starts and stops, distinct turns, and well-defined strokes. The structure features a compact center with expansive outer strokes, exuding freedom without frivolity and dignity without rigidity. The brush techniques are especially varied, making this a rare artistic masterpiece. The text provides historical documentation related to the reclamation of Guangde Lake for farmland, serving as a valuable piece of historical material and a rare literary document from Mingzhou during the Song Dynasty.