Northern Congjing Statue Stele

Northern Congjing Statue Stele

The Northern Congjing Statue Stele is a protected cultural relic of Hebei Province.

Northern Congjing Statue Stele

Northern Congjing Statue Stele The Northern Congjing Statue Stele is located in Beicongjing Village, Wu'an City. According to the inscription on the stele, it was erected in the seventh year of the Wuding era of the Eastern Wei Dynasty (549 AD) by Bhikkhu Daobao of Longshan Temple. Analysis of the features and niche shape of the statue on the front of the Wei-style stele suggests that it was not carved during the same period as the Eastern Wei. The inscription by Bhikkhu Daobao was originally a commemorative stele. By the Song Dynasty, Buddhists had carved additional statues on the back of the stele. These carvings are quite delicate and exhibit typical characteristics of Song Dynasty statuary. The stele is made of bluestone, with the main body and base currently situated in two separate locations. The turtle-shaped base remains in its original position. The stele is rectangular, with the main body measuring 1.39 meters in height, 0.75 meters in width, and 0.26 meters in thickness. The front of the stele features a statue, with a large rectangular niche in the center housing a Buddha figure. On either side of the niche are carvings of flying apsaras, warriors, and guardians, while below the niche is a door with depictions of a main figure and four attendants holding parasols and fans. The upper part features early ancient architecture, with human figures carved among the structures. The back and both sides of the stele bear inscriptions. The top of the back is inscribed with “Buddhist Offering,” while the left side lists the names of three major donors, including Daguanzuo Guangxianzu, in three columns. The main text on the back consists of 25 lines, each with over 30 characters, all written in clerical script. It primarily documents the construction process of Longshan Temple at the time, as well as the temple’s scale and function after completion.

The intricate carvings of ancient buildings and the lifelike figures provide tangible evidence for the study of early Chinese wooden architecture, and hold significant value for the research of carving techniques, plastic arts, and the development of Buddhism. With a history of 1,500 years, the calligraphy on the Northern Congjing Statue Stele is vigorous and forceful, offering valuable material for the study of clerical script and the evolution of Chinese character styles.

It is now a key cultural relic under the protection of Hebei Province.

Further Reading:

· Second Batch of Protected Cultural Relics of Hebei Province