Stone Carvings at the Tomb of Xiao Zhengli, Marquis of Jian’an of Liang

Stone Carvings at the Tomb of Xiao Zhengli, Marquis of Jian’an of Liang

The Stone Carvings at the Tomb of Xiao Zhengli, Marquis of Jian’an of Liang are Jiangsu Provincial Cultural Relics Protection Units.

Stone Carvings at the Tomb of Xiao Zhengli, Marquis of Jian’an of Liang

Jiangsu Provincial Cultural Relics Protection Unit, First and Second Batches, Adjusted and Announced in March 1982. The stone carvings at the tomb of Xiao Zhengli, Marquis of Jian’an of Liang (548 AD), located in Liujiabian, Chunhua Town, Jiangning District, Nanjing. In 1988, as part of the “Stone Carvings of the Southern Dynasties Tombs in Nanjing,” it was announced as part of the Third Batch of National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units.

Located south of Liujiabian Village, Chunhua Town, Jiangning County.

Xiao Zhengli, son of Xiao Hong and nephew of Emperor Wu of Liang, Xiao Yan. Initially enfeoffed as Marquis of Luoping, later changed to Marquis of Jian’an, served as Magistrate of Danyang. Died in office in 511 AD during the Liang Tianjian era, posthumously honored with the title “Min.”

The tomb of Xiao Zhengli faces southeast. It has been leveled, and four stone carvings remain in front of the tomb, arranged in two pairs facing north and south.

There are two stone Pixiu (mythical beasts), one female in the south and one male in the north, 16 meters apart. The southern Pixiu is 2.20 meters long and 1.95 meters high, with cracks on its right wing and chest, and damage to the back of the head. The northern Pixiu is 2.15 meters long and 2 meters high, with severe erosion on the head and damage to the tongue and tail. Both beasts feature small heads and long bodies, with plump and vigorous forms. Their wings, spines, and chests are carved with grooves, highlighting their lines and giving them a majestic presence. The lower parts of the beasts were originally buried underground and were excavated and elevated during restoration in 1964.

There are two stone stele pillars on the spirit way, 17 meters apart and 110 meters east of the Pixiu. The pillar tops and small stone beasts are no longer present. The southern pillar is 3.45 meters high with a circumference of 1.74 meters, featuring 23 fluted patterns on the surface; the northern pillar is 3.44 meters high with a circumference of 1.84 meters, featuring 20 fluted patterns. The pillar capitals are rectangular, inscribed with four lines of upright script, most of which are now illegible. Only the characters “Jian’an” on the southern pillar can be faintly recognized. According to the Jiangning Prefecture Records from the Guangxu era of the Qing Dynasty: “There are two stone pillars, with identical inscriptions on both sides, readable in both directions,” inscribed with: “The Spirit Way of the Late Liang Minister of the Palace Guard and Left General, Marquis of Jian’an of Jian’an.” Below the pillar capitals are carvings of double chi-dragons. The lower sections were originally buried and have become eroded, thin, and cracked. They were elevated and reinforced during restoration.

Listed as a National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit in 1988.

Xiao Zhengli, courtesy name Gongshan, younger brother of Xiao Zhengze, Marquis of Leshan, and son of Xiao Hong, Prince Jinghui of Linchuan. Initially enfeoffed as Marquis of Luoping. His mother, Lady Jiang, was favored. Originally, when Xiao Zhengren died, Xiao Hong, overcome with grief, appointed Xiao Zhengli as heir in an irregular move.

Xiao Zhengli had modest scholarly attainments. After Xiao Hong’s death, realizing this was against court conventions, he petitioned to yield the position to his elder brother, which greatly pleased the emperor. Typically, nobles were granted 500 households; however, Xiao Zhengli was granted a substantive fief as Marquis of Jian’an in Jian’an County with a stipend of 1,000 households. He later served as Magistrate of Danyang, and after his death, was posthumously titled “Min.” His son, Xiao Ben, inherited the title. … More details about Xiao Zhengli ++

Further Reading:

· First and Second Batches of Jiangsu Provincial Cultural Relics Protection Units