Epigraphy, the forerunner of Chinese archaeology, is a field devoted to the study of ancient bronze artifacts and stone inscriptions, emphasizing the cataloging and interpretation of historical texts.
The origins of epigraphy can be traced back to the Northern Song Dynasty, with Ouyang Xiu recognized as its founder. He authored the earliest epigraphic work, Record of Collecting Antiquities (also known as Ji Gu Lu), a meticulous compilation of 1,000 inscriptions and rubbings from the Zhou, Qin, and Five Dynasties periods. His student, Zeng Gong, was also a prominent figure in the field and compiled Records of Bronze and Stone Inscriptions (Jin Shi Lu).
The most well-known Jin Shi Lu today, however, is the epigraphic masterpiece written by Zhao Mingcheng during the Song Dynasty. Zhao Mingcheng, husband of the renowned poet Li Qingzhao and son of Prime Minister Zhao Tingzhi under Emperor Huizong, devoted his life to the collection and study of ancient artifacts and inscriptions. His tireless efforts resulted in the monumental 30-volume Jin Shi Lu.
After Zhao Mingcheng's death, Li Qingzhao continued his work, completing the manuscript and presenting it to the imperial court. In her account, she described the struggles they faced together in their relentless pursuit of high-quality inscription rubbings, even pawning their clothes to support their efforts.
By the Qing Dynasty, scholars like Wang Mingsheng officially introduced the term jinshixue (antiquarianism, literally the "study of bronze and stone"). The renowned Xiling Seal Art Society in Hangzhou emerged as a center for epigraphy, showcasing the height of this scholarly tradition.
Jin Shi Lu is more than a scholarly work—it intertwines the joys and hardships of a devoted couple with the ebb and flow of a nation’s history. As a cultural treasure, epigraphy serves as a key to unlocking the mysteries of ancient Chinese civilization, preserving the essence of its enduring heritage.