Record of the Altar of the Goddess Magu (by Yan Zhenqing) Image 12

Yan Zhenqing (709–785) was a renowned calligrapher of the mid Tang period. His outstanding regular script is revered as the "Yan Style" because of its dignified monumental approach.

While Yan was Regional Chief of Fuzhou, Jiangxi province, in the 3rd year of the Dali reign (768) he paid a visit to Mt. Magu, and afterwards wrote about the myths of the immortal Magu in Magu Altar in 6th year of the Dali reign (771). Yan was at the age of sixty-three at the time, and the calligraphy is characteristic of his later, more mature style. In a spacious and balanced composition, Yan demonstrates his energy in the vertical strokes and his agility in the horizontal lines and the turn of the brush. His stylish strokes are remarkable.

After the original Tang stone was lost, there were numerous re-cut versions from Song to Qing times, generating at the same time a good number of rubbings of large, medium and small font. This large font Song version on white hemp paper was collected consecutively by Lu Gong and He Shaoji of the Qing dynasty. There are colophons by He Shaoji and Yudie Chongen. Although this rubbing is based on a re-cut version, probably from a woodblock carving, the virile line work retains the impressive calligraphic spirit of the Tang master, and should be regarded as a prime specimen of the "Yan Style".

In 2020, the piece was listed in the “National Catalogue of Precious Ancient Books”.