Tomb of Kuai Xiang

Tomb of Kuai Xiang

The Tomb of Kuai Xiang is a cultural relic protection unit of Jiangsu Province.

The tomb of Kuai Xiang, an outstanding master architect of the Ming Dynasty and the progenitor of the “Xiangshan School” craftsmen, is located south of Yufan Village, Xukou Township, Wu County. The tomb faces south with a view of Taihu Lake. To the front right stands the “Imperial Edict Stele” bestowed in the second year of the Tian Shun era (1458) by Emperor Yingzong Zhu Qizhen upon Kuai Xiang’s grandfather, Kuai Mingsi, and grandmother, Madam Gu. After Kuai Xiang’s death, he was buried in his ancestral grave.

During the Yongle era of the Ming Dynasty, Kuai Xiang participated in the construction of the nine gates and two palaces of Beijing. In the Zhengtong era, he led the reconstruction of the Three Great Halls as well as the offices of the Five Ministries and Six Departments. The planning of various civil and military constructions in the capital also originated from his designs. On the bird’s-eye view map of the Ming imperial palace, Kuai Xiang’s portrait was even depicted. His architectural skills were highly praised at the time. His peers marveled at his work as “divine craftsmanship,” saying that “those who disobeyed his guidance would never meet the emperor’s approval.” The emperor himself often referred to him as “Kuai Luban.” In his later years, Kuai Xiang was also involved in the construction of the Yu Tomb in the Ming Thirteen Tombs. By the time of Emperor Xianzong’s Chenghua era, he was over eighty years old but still served as a master craftsman, enjoying the salary of a first-rank official and retaining the title of the “Living Luban.”

In 1963, a stele inscribed with “Tomb of Kuai Xiang” was erected on the left front side of the tomb. The current tomb site covers approximately 20 square meters, enclosed by circular stone barriers with a cement top. The mound is 1.5 meters high, with a circumference of 13 meters. The tomb path is 10 meters long. The surrounding area is lush with trees, exuding a strong sense of antiquity.

Further Reading:

· Third Batch of Cultural Relic Protection Units of Jiangsu Province