Tomb of Wang Shiqi

Tomb of Wang Shiqi

The Tomb of Wang Shiqi is a cultural relic protection unit of Zhejiang Province.

The Tomb of Wang Shiqi is located on Wangzhuang Mountain in Zhangjiadu Village, Kuocang Town, Linhai City. The tomb lies on the northern slope of Wangzhuang Mountain, facing approximately 10° northeast. The stone carvings are situated about 70 meters down the mountain at the front of the tomb. On April 15, 1983, the Linhai County People's Government designated it as a “Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit of Linhai County.” On January 13, 2017, the People's Government of Zhejiang Province listed it as part of the seventh batch of Zhejiang Provincial Cultural Relics Protection Units.

The stone carvings in front of the Tomb of Wang Shiqi currently include a stele pavilion, stone civil officials, stone horses, stone tigers, stone sheep, and stone ornamental columns. There were originally two stele pavilions; one has been destroyed, and only the left one remains today. The pavilions are entirely constructed from stone slabs and blocks, with a basically square layout. The front is 2.37 meters wide, the side 2.15 meters wide, and the total height 4.15 meters, including a ridge height of 0.49 meters. The roof is in the style of an ancient watchtower, adorned with ridge ornaments such as chi dragons, though the central part is slightly damaged. There are two stone civil officials, each standing 3.26 meters tall, with a shoulder circumference of 2.41 meters, body circumference of 2.72 meters, shoulder width of 0.9 meters, and neck circumference of 0.11 meters; the head alone is 0.695 meters high. Both wear official hats and hold ceremonial tablets, dressed in wide-sleeved court robes. The only difference is that the one on the left has a beard while the one on the right does not. There are two stone horses, standing atop rectangular stone bases, adorned with carved saddles, appearing serene and gentle. They measure 2.21 meters in total height, 1.37 meters in body height, 1.57 meters in body length, and 0.62 meters in hoof height. From the base to the head, they stand 2.1 meters tall. The base is 1.92 meters long, 0.98 meters wide, and 0.11 meters thick. Two stone tigers are crouched atop rectangular stone bases, measuring 1.43 meters in total height and 1.44 meters in body length. The base is 1.28 meters long, 0.615 meters wide, and 0.19 meters thick. Two stone sheep are kneeling on rectangular stone bases, measuring 1.22 meters in total height and 1.15 meters in body length. There are also two stone ornamental columns, 4.55 meters tall with a diameter of 0.53 meters. Their surfaces are carved with cloud-and-dragon reliefs, typically 0.33 centimeters deep. In addition, a stone memorial archway inscribed with “Heaven’s Grace Bestows the Land” once stood at the entrance to the tomb path. It was destroyed by a storm on July 19, 1982, but the archway plaque remains. The stone statues in front of the Tomb of Wang Shiqi feature exquisite craftsmanship and are considered among the finest mid-Ming dynasty tomb carvings in Linhai, holding considerable artistic value. The tomb was restored in 2002. The Linhai City Archives preserve old photographs of the tomb taken in the spring of the ninth year of the Republic of China (1920).

On January 13, 2017, the People's Government of Zhejiang Province listed it as part of the seventh batch of Zhejiang Provincial Cultural Relics Protection Units.

Wang Shiqi (1551–1618), courtesy name Guishu, art name Fengyu, was a native of Linhai County (present-day Linhai City). He was the second son of Wang Zongmu. In the 11th year of the Wanli era of the Ming Dynasty (1583), he passed the imperial examination and became a Jinshi (advanced scholar). He held various official positions including Principal Clerk of the Ministry of Works in Nanjing, Langzhong (senior official) of the Ministry of War, Prefect of Fuzhou, Prefect of Chongqing, and Vice Censor-in-Chief of Sichuan. In the 26th year of Wanli, while serving as the Provincial Administration Commissioner of Shandong, he led 20,000 troops alongside Commander Liu ... (detailed information about Wang Shiqi++)

Kuocang Town: Located in central Zhejiang Province, Kuocang Town lies at the northern foot of the Kuocang Mountains and along the Yong’an River. With a long history, rich culture, and beautiful scenery, it is a nationally recognized historical and cultural city and a culturally profound town in western Linhai. The town covers a total area of 156 square kilometers, with a population of 43,200, and administers 47 administrative villages. The majestic Kuocang Mountains stretch continuously, vast and profound. Its main peak, Mishaile, stands 1,382.6 meters above sea level, making it the highest peak in southeastern Zhejiang. It is also the first place in China to greet the dawn of the 21st century and offers one of the best spots to view it. The mountain features sites such as Mishaile, Paoma Ping (Horse Racing Field), Daochang Ji (Taoist Practice Base), and Xiianren Ji (Immortals’ Base)... (detailed information about Kuocang Town++)

Further Reading:

· Seventh Batch of Zhejiang Provincial Cultural Relics Protection Units