Northern Chai Village Statue Stele

Northern Chai Village Statue Stele

The Northern Chai Village Statue Stele is a cultural relic protection unit of Hebei Province.

The Northern Chai Village Statue Stele was first carved in the first year of the Tian Tong era during the Northern Qi Dynasty (565 AD). It is made of bluestone, with the main body hewn from a single piece of stone. The stele stands 2.3 meters tall, is 0.84 meters wide, and 0.27 meters thick. The upper part of the stele has been broken. It features a round top with six dragons coiled around it, their heads pointing downward as if drinking water, and a tortoise pedestal with its head extending to the right, the head of which has been broken. The front side (yang side) of the stele has three tiers of Buddhist niches. The top niche is shaped like a "?", featuring one Buddha, two Bodhisattvas, and two disciples. The Buddha is seated in lotus position on a lotus base, with a circular halo above. The Bodhisattvas and disciples stand on lotus flowers, flanked by attendants. The middle niche is square, with the upper part protruding into a dome shape. The Buddha is seated in lotus position on a Sumeru pedestal, radiating light, with flames soaring as if depicting the blazing light Buddha. There are six attendants, supported by two dragons spouting lotus flowers. The lower niche features one Buddha and four attendants. The Buddha has a peach-shaped halo and is seated in lotus position, while the four attendants stand on lotus flowers. Above them are two dragons soaring in protection. The lower part depicts two guardian Vajra warriors on the left and right. At the base, there are six horizontally arranged niches showing Asura figures lifting up, symbolizing holding up the heavens. The reverse side (yin side) has two tiers of Buddhist niches, but the statues have been destroyed. Judging from the remnants, they appear to depict scenes from the life of the Buddha. Below the niches, inscriptions are carved in seal script, some of which are damaged. The remaining blank spaces on the stele are filled with the names and official titles of patrons, ranging from imperial attendants, prefects, and generals, down to county magistrates and aides—about 40 people, all surnamed Chai. This stele is believed to be a vow stele commissioned by the Chai family. Legend says the Chai family produced many officials, earning the nickname “Half the Court is Chai.” Originally, the stele was colorfully painted, and traces of these colors can still be seen on the Buddha niches and figures.

This stele is commonly known as the “Ringing Stele,” as legend has it that the wind would make it chime like a bell. Hence it’s called the “Ringing Stele,” also known as the “Five-colored Dust-Repelling Stele.” The original stele was colorfully painted, and traces of pigments can still be seen on the Buddha niches and figures.

Although damaged, this stele holds significant historical and artistic value. In 1982, it was designated as a cultural relic protection unit by the People's Government of Hebei Province.

According to the inscriptions on the yin side of the Northern Chai Village Statue Stele, in the first year of the Tian Tong era of the Northern Qi Dynasty (565 AD), over 40 officials led by Zhangde Prefecture Governor Chai Huishi, along with members of the Chai clan and monks from the temple, erected this vow stele to ensure the peace, prosperity, and success of their family. Since its carving, the stele has been housed in Fusheng Temple of Northern Chai Village. For over a thousand years, through wars, floods, and storms, the temple has been rebuilt countless times, yet this stele has survived. However, the relief carvings on the front side are heavily damaged, and the upper part of the stele and the turtle’s head have broken off.

Since the founding of the People’s Republic of China, with increasing national attention to cultural relic preservation, the stele has been properly safeguarded on-site. Especially during the second national cultural relics census in 1984, the government of Pingxiang County, despite financial constraints, allocated special funds to relocate the stele to the Cultural Center. In 2002, the Hebei Provincial Bureau of Cultural Relics provided a special fund of 100,000 yuan. In August 2003, the Northern Chai Village Statue Stele was moved to the courtyard of the Culture and Sports Bureau, where a protective pavilion was constructed.

The Northern Chai Village Statue Stele was created in the first year of the Tian Tong era of the Northern Qi Dynasty (565 AD), a period marked by political turmoil. From the content of the inscriptions, it is evident that the Northern Qi government was particularly harsh toward Han Chinese aristocratic families, placing them in a low social status. Even the Chai family, known as “Half the Court is Chai,” lived in fear. Thus, they urged their descendants to devote themselves to Buddhism and pray for divine protection. The inscriptions also record the names and official positions of those who commissioned the stele, such as Zhangde Prefecture Governor Chai Huishi, Qu’an County Magistrate Chai Huiyuan, Tiger Vanguard General Chai Liushu, and Prefectural Clerk Chai Honglv, among over 40 individuals. The inscriptions fill gaps in historical records and are of great historical research value.

The Northern Chai Village Statue Stele is also precious for its stone carving and calligraphy craftsmanship. The entire stele is carved from a single piece of bluestone, featuring six dragons coiled around the top and a tortoise pedestal. The yang side contains three tiers of Buddhist niches with 20 sculpted Buddha figures, each uniquely and vividly rendered. Though damaged, the reliefs still reflect the grandeur and delicacy of stone carving art during the peak of Buddhist influence. The inscriptions on the yin side are written in clerical script, predominantly using angular strokes combined with rounded ones. Based on the structure of clerical script, it also incorporates elements of Wei stele brushwork, appearing vigorous and archaic yet graceful. It is another unique masterpiece of calligraphy following the Han steles, holding high artistic research value.

The Northern Chai Village Statue Stele is located in the courtyard of the Culture and Sports Bureau of Pingxiang County, Xingtai City, Hebei Province. Carved in the first year of the Tian Tong era of the Northern Qi Dynasty (565 AD), it stands 2.3 meters tall, is 0.84 meters wide, and 0.27 meters thick. With six dragons coiled around the top and a tortoise pedestal, it faces west and is situated on the eastern side of the courtyard.

Although damaged, this stele holds significant historical and artistic value. In 1982, it was designated as a cultural relic protection unit by the People's Government of Hebei Province.

Northern Chai Village: Located in the southwestern part of Pingzhen Town, Northern Chai Village borders Hudian Village of Shizhao Township, Nanhe County to the west, and Jize County of Handan City to the south. It has 1,271 mu of arable land, a population of 983, 29 Party members, and a village committee of 4 members, with 2 holding dual roles. …… More details about Northern Chai Village++

Further Reading:

· Second Batch of Cultural Relic Protection Units of Hebei Province