In mature clerical script, strokes were executed in spontaneously round-ended shape, known as silkworm head. In later development, its brushstroke, as seen in this example, gradually changed into a more or less square-ended shape.

This stele was unearthed in the 14th century and its text cites the achievement of Zhang Qian, a then county magistrate. Its simple and unsophisticated characters is in striking contrast with prevailingly graceful script of Han steles. Holding a significant place in scriptural evolution of Chinese calligraphy, it was such angular styles paved the way for regular script.