Half Stele
The stele is incomplete, hence its name "Half Stele." It is engraved in semi-cursive script, consisting of 19 lines and 476 characters. It was discovered near Zhenguo Temple in 1816 (the 21st year of the Jiaqing reign of the Qing Dynasty) and preserved thereafter in the temple. According to its inscription, it is the tombstone of Liu Jiqin, younger brother of Liu Jiyuan, the last ruler of the Northern Han Kingdom (951-979). The calligraphy is refined yet vigorous, reflecting the stylistic influence of the "Two Wangs" (calligraphers Wang Xizhi and his son Wang Xianzhi of the Eastern Jin Dynasty (317-420)). It also possesses high historical value and helps fill gaps in the historical record.