Stone Pillar Inscriptions at Tongzhong

Stone Pillar Inscriptions at Tongzhong

The stone pillar inscriptions at Tongcheng High School stand prominently on the eastern side of the campus. The pillar is made of square hemp-textured stone, standing 4.32 meters tall with sides 0.34 meters wide, tapering to a point at the top and resting on a base at the bottom. The four sides of the stone pillar bear two sets of vertical inscriptions carved in intaglio. The east and west sides feature Wei-style calligraphy, with dignified characters that read: "Lofty peaks pierce the clouds, clear streams reveal their beds."

The north and south sides are engraved with seal script, with smooth and flowing brushstrokes, reading: "Whether used as beams or pillars, none are unfit. Those with lofty aspirations had these stone pillars inscribed in the 14th year of the Republic of China (1925). They were calligraphed by local masters Fang Shoudun and Fang Shouheng, intended to inspire students to aim high, strive upward, and become pillars of the nation. During the Cultural Revolution, the pillars were smashed and the base was destroyed. In 1982, on the occasion of the 80th anniversary of Tongcheng High School, they were restored to their original appearance.