What is the meaning of topography

Topography, also known as stele post and tablet topography, is an art form in which graphic information on hard materials such as stone carvings and wood carvings is transferred to paper or other carriers through special methods.

Topography originated in China and can be traced back to the period of the Qin Dynasty, more than two thousand years ago. The process of making topiaries includes the steps of selecting materials, pounding, inking, and topography, and requires a skilled artisan to complete.

Topography has high artistic and historical value, which not only preserves the original appearance of ancient inscriptions, but also provides valuable information for future generations to study ancient writing, calligraphy, painting and other aspects. In Chinese history, many famous calligraphers and painters have used the topography as a blueprint for their creations and studies. In addition, the topography also has a certain collection value, and many collectors regard it as a treasure.

With the development of science and technology, modern printing technology has been able to more accurately reproduce the graphic information on hard materials such as stone carvings and wood carvings, but the unique flavor and sense of history of topiaries still cannot be replaced. Therefore, topography, as a traditional art form, is still widely noticed and loved in China and even in the world.

Common types of topiaries:

1. Tablet post: Tablet post is a kind of topiary, which is mainly used for copying and learning calligraphy works on ancient inscriptions. The production process of the tablet post includes the selection of materials, pounding, inking, topography and other steps, which requires skilled craftsmen to complete.

2, Jinshi topiary: Jinshi topiary refers to the topography of metal objects, stone tools and other hard materials on the graphic information. Jinshi topographies have high historical and artistic value and provide precious physical information for the study of ancient culture.

3, woodcut topiaries: woodcut topiaries refers to the topography of woodcut prints. Woodcut prints originated in China, has a long history, is one of China's traditional intangible cultural heritage.

4, brick and tile topiary: brick and tile topiary refers to the ancient architecture of the brick and tile on the pattern, the text of the topography. Brick and tile topiary reflects the style and technique of ancient architecture, and has high artistic and historical value.

5, oracle bone inscriptions: oracle bone inscriptions are the earliest mature ancient Chinese writing, mainly engraved on tortoise shells and animal bones. The oracle bone topographies are the topographies of oracle bone inscriptions, which provide precious physical information for the study of ancient philology.