What's On: Eulogy on Burying a Crane

For over 1000 years, a hill named Jiaoshan standing right in the middle of the Yangtze River at it´s lower reaches has been an objective fascination for calligraphers and literati. The focus of all these interest is the inscription carved on the cliffies. The inscription´s title is Yi He Ming or Eulogy on Burying a crane.

Program Video

Eulogy on Burying a Crane Video I

Watch Video

The story goes that it was originally written by a six century Taoist master to commemorate the passing of his pet bird. However, this particular piece of writing has great significance because of it´s calligraphic style.

Eulogy on Burying a Crane Video II

Watch Video

Eulogy on Burying a Crane has been the focus of considerable scholastic interest down through the centuries. Not least because the characters have to be read from left to right. In 1712, a breakthrough was made in the study of the inscription.

Eulogy on Burying a Crane Video III

Watch Video

The story goes that around the time of the Northern and Southern Dynanstie, some 1500 years ago, a taoist master wrote a few lines under the title Eulogy on Burying a Crane. Apparently, he did so to commemorate his sacred crane that has just died. Well, the lines he wrot comprised of just a hundred characters.