Shizhugang Scripture Pillar

Shizhugang Scripture Pillar

The Shizhugang Scripture Pillar is a cultural relic protection unit of Henan Province.

The Shizhugang Scripture Pillar is located west of Shizhugang Village, Yulong Town, Xingyang City, Zhengzhou, also known as the "Zhu Family Genealogy Record." It stands over 6 meters tall in total, with a base that is 1.4 meters high, and is octagonal in shape, with each face measuring 0.26 meters wide. The base is a Sumeru pedestal adorned with carved upside-down lotus lions. Four sides of the pillar are inscribed with —, while the other four sides bear the six large characters “Zhu Family Genealogy Record,” with the smaller characters worn and unclear, and an indistinct signature that seems to include the characters for “Great Jin.” The pillar features an octagonal tassel-like canopy, above which are carved upward-facing lotuses and four vertical columns, three of which depict a Buddha each. The top of the pillar imitates a rooftop eave, with a four-tiered cloud plate base supporting a flaming gem at the apex.

A scripture pillar is a type of artistic structure that serves both commemorative and propagandistic purposes. Initially, Buddhist scriptures or images were written on fabric banners; to preserve them better, they were later carved in stone on pillars. Since the main content was the Dharani Sutra, they came to be called scripture pillars. The pillar consists of three parts: the top, the main body, and the base. The main body is where the esoteric Buddhist incantations or —, Buddha images, etc., are carved, typically in an octagonal shape. The Shizhugang Scripture Pillar is well preserved and authentically reflects the characteristics of such pillars.

Seventh Batch of Key Cultural Relic Protection Units in Henan Province

Source: Zhengzhou Municipal Bureau of Cultural Relics

Shizhugang Village: Shizhugang Village…… Detailed information about Shizhugang Village++

Further Reading:

· Seventh Batch of Key Cultural Relic Protection Units in Henan Province