An Exploration of the Figures and Calligraphy Art of the Epitaph of Li Yi

Abstract

The Epitaph of Li Yi, unearthed in Yanshi, Luoyang in 2008, is an important regular-script epitaph of the mid-Tang Dynasty with both documentary and calligraphic values. Written by Cui Yan, inscribed in seal script by Xi Huan, and transcribed in regular script by Li Xingfang, it forms a pattern of "three excellences". The epitaph confirms that Li Yi was a native of Didao, Longxi, born in 746 and died in 829 at the age of 84, clarifying disputes over his native place, life dates, imperial examination experience and family background, and supplementing omissions in official histories. Cui Yan served with Li Yi and had close family ties; Xi Huan's seal script inherited the tradition of Li Si and Li Yangbing; Li Xingfang's regular script combines the crispness of Chu Suiliang and the solidness of Yan Zhenqing, featuring precise brushwork, dignified structure and regular composition. Its calligraphy weakens square strokes of Wei steles with mature regular script, reflecting the "law-admiring" feature and integration of northern and southern styles of mid-Tang regular script. As a model of integration of literature, historiography and calligraphy, it provides key materials for research on Li Yi, mid-Tang calligraphy and scholar-official interactions, and offers historical references for contemporary calligraphy creation with both literary and artistic excellence.