Tomb of Wen Zhengming

Tomb of Wen Zhengming

The Tomb of Wen Zhengming is a Jiangsu Provincial Cultural Relics Protection Unit.

Tomb of Wen Zhengming

The Tomb of Wen Zhengming was designated as a Jiangsu Provincial Cultural Relics Protection Unit in 1982.

Wen Zhengming (1470–1559), originally named Bi, with the courtesy name Zhengming. From the age of 42, he went by his courtesy name, and later also used the courtesy name Zhengzhong. As his ancestors were from Hengshan, he adopted the sobriquet "Hengshan Jushi" (Hermit of Hengshan), and was commonly known as "Wen Hengshan." He once served as a Hanlin waiting attendant. In literature and poetry, he was grouped with Zhu Yunming, Tang Yin, and Xu Zhenqing as the "Four Talented Scholars of Wu Region." In painting, he studied under Shen Zhou, producing works that were elegant and refined, and was grouped with Shen Zhou, Tang Yin, and Qiu Ying as the "Four Masters of the Wu School." In calligraphy, he was celebrated alongside Zhu Yunming and Wang Chong as one of the "Three Calligraphy Masters of Wu Region."

The Tomb of Wen Zhengming is located in Wenling Village, Yuanhe Town, Xiangcheng District, Suzhou City, hidden within a lush grove of camphor and cypress trees. In front of the tomb lies a crescent-shaped reflecting pool, resembling an inkstone well, giving the entire burial site the appearance of an inkstone. The site also features symbolic elements: an earthen mound representing an “official seal,” a stone pillar symbolizing “ink,” a tomb path representing a “brush,” and a bluestone slab representing an “inkstone.” On both sides of the tomb path stand four stone beasts. At the center of the stone platform in front of the tomb stands a tall stele inscribed with “Tomb of Lord Wen Zhengming of the Ming Dynasty,” its black background and red characters standing out vividly in the sunlight. Behind the stele is the Wen family tomb mound, enclosed by bluestone railings. The burial mound is 2.5 meters high and 14 meters in diameter. During its 2007 restoration, anti-theft measures were added to the mound, but its external appearance was restored according to its original design.