Stone Carvings at the Tomb of Emperor Xiaowu of Qi, Xiao Chengzhi (Yong'an Mausoleum)

Stone Carvings at the Tomb of Emperor Xiaowu of Qi, Xiao Chengzhi (Yong'an Mausoleum)

The Yong'an Mausoleum of Emperor Xiaowu of Qi, Xiao Chengzhi, is located in Shizi Bay to the north of Huqiao Township, Danyang City.

Xiao Chengzhi was the father of Emperor Gao of Qi, Xiao Daocheng, and died in the 24th year of the Yuanjia era (447) during the Liu Song Dynasty. After Xiao Daocheng ascended the throne, he changed the era name to Jianyuan. In the first year of Jianyuan (479), he posthumously honored his father as Emperor Xiaowu, and the tomb was named Yong'an. The tomb faces south and has been leveled. In front of the tomb are a pair of stone beasts—the one on the east is a Tianlu (heavenly deer), which is well-preserved. The western stone beast was originally buried upside down in the soil and was excavated between June and August 1979, but its head is missing. The Tianlu is 2.95 meters long, 2.75 meters high, with a neck height of 1.4 meters and a body girth of 2.75 meters. Its design features a raised head and drooping tail, giving it a majestic appearance. It has two horns, now broken. Under its chin, curly whiskers hang to its chest, and it has wings that curve forward in cloud patterns with fine scales in the middle and long wing feathers at the back. Its body is covered with curly fur resembling tassels, and its tail drags on the ground. It has four claws on its feet, with the left front foot gripping a small animal. The western stone beast is believed to be a qilin (Chinese unicorn); its head is missing. It is 2.9 meters long, with a neck height of 1.38 meters, a total height of 2.42 meters, and a body girth of 2.4 meters.

In August 1979, the Tianlu was moved 1 meter southward in parallel, a concrete base was prepared, and it was placed on the base.

Jiangsu Provincial Cultural Relics Protection Unit, First and Second Batches, adjusted and announced in March 1982. Stone Carvings at the Tomb of Emperor Xiaowu of Qi, Xiao Chengzhi (Yong'an Mausoleum), Southern Dynasties (447), Hujiabridge, Danyang County. In 1988, as part of the "Danyang Southern Dynasties Tomb Stone Carvings," it was announced as part of the third batch of National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units.

Sculptures from the Liang Dynasty of the Southern Dynasties. Located in Heping Village, Xinhe Township, Qixia District, Nanjing (present-day location). These are a group of stone sculptures in front of the tomb of Xiao ??, the Loyal and Martial Prince of Shixing of the Liang Dynasty. There are two stone lions (the western lion is damaged) and two stone steles. The eastern lion is 3.78 meters long, its head is damaged, the front of its wings is carved with wave-like decorations, the back has long feathers, and its body is decorated with cloud-like patterns. Beneath its belly lies a small lion lying upright with its mouth open and tongue out, resembling the larger lion. The area beneath its belly and between its front and hind legs is not hollowed out, and the carving is simple—this form is rather unique.

Further Reading:

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