Official Script

     "Official Script," also called zuoshu or bafen, is an ancient style of calligraphy that simplified the roundabout and curly strokes of seal characters to make writing much easier. It originated from silk and bamboo slip writings. It first appeared in the "Warring States Period" (approximately 575 to 221 b.c.), and flourished in the Han Dynasty (206 b.c. to 220 a.d.). It features vigorous, graceful flat strokes and compact, angular and unsophisticated structures.
     The four stamps show representative works of the Han dynasty.

Yi Ying Stele

Zhang Qian Stele

Cao Quan Stele

Shimen Ode Inscription