Inscription on the Stone Drums, and the Bilou Stele: Calligraphy in Seal Script Possibly 1644 - 1911

Qian Daxin created "Inscription on the Stone Drums, and the Bilou Stele: Calligraphy in Seal Script" in the late 18th century. Qian was a pivotal figure in Qing Dynasty scholarship. Here, Qian masterfully renders ancient inscriptions in seal script, a style that evokes the gravitas of historical artifacts. His choice of calligraphy embodies a deep engagement with China’s past, at a time when scholars sought to redefine cultural identity through classical knowledge. As we view this piece, we might reflect on the relationship between past and present. The act of transcribing these ancient texts is an emotional bridge, connecting Qian Daxin’s era with the voices of antiquity. Qian’s work also raises questions of cultural preservation, power, and representation. How does revisiting and reinterpreting historical texts shape cultural narratives? In transcribing the Stone Drum inscriptions, Qian offers not just a reproduction, but a renewed engagement, inviting us to reflect on the act of cultural remembrance.