Stone Carvings Along the Tomb Path of Wu Qianyang

Stone Carvings Along the Tomb Path of Wu Qianyang

The stone carvings along the tomb path of Wu Qianyang are a cultural relic protection unit of Xiangshan County.

Wu Qianyang, styled Lüye, was a native of the county. According to the Daoguang-era Xiangshan County Annals, he “lost his parents at the age of three but managed to establish himself through his own efforts,” and was recommended as a local scholar before being appointed magistrate of Xingzi County. Three years later, due to his outstanding governance, he was promoted to prefect of Junzhou. He eventually passed away in office from overwork. Additionally, according to Fan Jiazhen’s Doubts Regarding the Texts in the Xiangshan County Annals, the tomb of Magistrate Wu Qianyang of Xingzi County is located twenty li east of the county in Triangle Field. The original tomb path was situated at the foot of the hillside graveyard east of Triangle Field, stretching approximately fifty meters in length and about eight meters in width. It featured four pairs (eight pieces) of stone sculptures such as stone figures and stone horses, arranged at equal intervals on both sides of the path. In 1958, the tomb was excavated and six of the stone sculptures were destroyed.

Today, only one stone figure and one stone horse remain. The stone figure is slightly taller than life-size, while the stone horse is relatively smaller. Both sculptures are proportionally accurate and intricately layered. The carving details of the stone figure’s warrior attire and the stone horse’s saddle and bridle are sharp and refined, with elegant and dignified imagery, demonstrating considerable artistic value.